WordFly

Executive Summary

For my testing, I had users test the most commonly used items within the app, as well as test how well the navigation is layed out between pages to ensure everything is easy to find.

Factors used to define usability:

• Clarity of the layout and app functions
• Emotions while using the app
• App appeal to users

The age range of the users testing WordFly was from 28-56, and all are college educated. All tests were done in person.

Key Findings

1. All users found the sign up process fast and easy.
2. It was pretty easy for users to figure out they were continuing a game with a friend, however some weren’t sure what type of words/game they were playing with.
3. Users liked the options to add things other than just a word and definition if they wanted to.
4. Users found it easy to play a game, though some noted they weren’t sure how to know what type of words they were playing with.
5. The group name title caused confusion with nearly all users, because it looked like a button.
6. Not seeing which they created after making it was also confusing to some.

This research report includes the details of how I conducted my research, the results I found, and a list of recommended changes.

Goals

The following is what I hoped to achieve by running usability tests.

Testing Setup & Moderation

For my usability testing, all test were performed in person, in my quite office at home. As the test moderator, I observed the subjects and assisted with how to use the prototype tool as needed. (Prott)

1. Introduction

To begin my testing process, I followed my test script to insure that all participants got the same idea of how the test was going to work. They were given an iphone with the app preloaded within Prott. The participants were asked to think out loud as much as possible during the test.

2. Tasks

The tasks the users were asked to perform are as follows:

1. Sign up to use app
2. Play a game with a friend
3. Create a new flashcard with an image and context
4. Play a game Solo
5. Create a new group

3. Scenario Tasks

The tasks above were presented to user as scenario tasks, to give the test a more friendly vibe. Check these out below.

1. You’ve downloaded WordFly and are ready to use it. Sign up to begin.
2. You and a co-worker are both trying to learn a word for work. Play a game with them.
3. You come across a new word you need to enter into your flashcards, Create a new card and add an image and context to help you remember it better.
4. You’ve got a few minutes to spare while waiting for some food you’ve ordered, why not play a quick game to study?
5. You've decided you want to start studying some biology terms. Create a new group to store your new words.

Results

I used the Jacob Nielson Severity Rating System to rate how each task performed with a rating of 0-4. Each task is listed below with findings and a recommendation of how I could address the issues.

Task 1

Issue - Severity 1

• All users found the sign up process fast and easy. Some wanted to not have to re-type their log in after signing up.

Recommendation

• Consider where the user lands after creating a new account.

Task 2

Issue - Severity 1

• It was pretty easy for users to figure out they were continuing a game with a friend, however some weren't sure what type of words/game they were playing with.

Recommendation

• Add usernames/game types to the games in progress with friends.

Task 3

Issue - Severity 1

• Users liked the options to add things other than just a word and definition if they wanted to, but they thought the page looked un-organized.

Recommendation

• Change the check mark button to a confirm button. Work on the layout of the card.

Task 4

Issue - Severity 2

• Users found it easy to play a game, though some noted they weren't sure how to know what type of words they were playing with.

Recommendation

• Add a way to choose what type of vocab your learning from the game page.

Task 5

Issue - Severity 3

• The group name title caused confusion with nearly all users, because it looked like a button.
• Not seeing which card they created after making it was confusing to some users.

Recommendation

• Change the label “name” to “group name” and make it a title, not a button.
• Create an additional page that is clearer about adding cards to the group.