Usability Testing Training Workshop

SDS conducted a usability testing workshop for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. The workshop aimed to equip Reigate and Banstead staff with the skills to conduct their own user tests depending on the size and scale of the project.

The workshop covered the end-to-end process in usability testing. Starting from setting the project objectives, the workshop covered drafting scenarios for users to follow, planning the user test, recruiting users and good practice surrounding this, conducting the test and the feedback of the results. The training was tailored to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council because whilst they knew about usability testing, staff wanted more training on how to effectively conduct the user test.

Once the theoretical aspect of the workshop was covered, the team worked with some practical exercises and role play of the observer, note-taker and the user. Each attendee then had the opportunity to swap roles so that they could get an appreciation of each of the three roles. Along with the practical exercise, SDS gave top hints and tips to maximise the output of the session and to make the user feel comfortable, for example, not leading the user and only probing based on behaviour triggers.

Usability testing is beneficial to your local authority because it can provide valuable user feedback to improve your website.

User testing can help you to answer:

1. Can our users complete the tasks successfully without any issues?
2. How long does it take them to complete specified tasks?
3. What is the satisfaction rate of users with your website?
4. What is there opinion on the look and feel?
5. Is it easy to read and understand?
6. Is it easy for residents to navigate?

If you would like to know more on our user testing services or are interested in a training session for you and your staff, please do not hesitate to get in touch or view our user testing case studies. Please contact Dominic Taylor-Langley, SDS Team Manager, on domininic.taylor-langley@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or call 01892 554042.

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