How can you conduct usability testing on government website prototypes?

1 What is a website prototype?

A website prototype is a mockup or simulation of how your website will look and function, before you build the final version. It can be anything from a sketch on paper, to a clickable wireframe, to a high-fidelity interactive demo. A website prototype allows you to test your assumptions, get feedback, and iterate on your design, without investing too much time and money.

3 How to plan your usability testing?

Prior to conducting usability testing, you must plan key aspects such as your objectives, participants, and method. Your objectives should include what you want to learn from the testing, the main tasks or scenarios to test, and how to measure the success of the website prototype. You need to determine who your target users are and how many you need to recruit for the testing. Additionally, consider how you will find and invite them, as well as how you will compensate them for their time and effort. Lastly, you must decide on the method of testing - whether it is remote or in-person, moderated or unmoderated, and qualitative or quantitative data collection. Also, consider which tools and platforms are necessary for recording and analyzing data.

4 How to prepare your website prototype?

In order to ensure your website prototype is ready for usability testing, you should review it for any potential errors, bugs, or missing elements that could affect the testing. Simplify the prototype and focus on the essential features and functions you want to test; remove any unnecessary or distracting elements. Additionally, add instructions and prompts to guide users through the testing process. Placeholders, labels, and pop-ups can be used to explain what users should do or expect on each screen or step. Lastly, test your prototype yourself and with some colleagues or friends to make sure it works as intended and that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

5 How to conduct your usability testing?

Conducting usability testing requires following some best practices. You should schedule testing sessions in advance and confirm the details with your participants, sending them a reminder and a link to access the prototype before it starts. Setting up the environment and equipment is also necessary, making sure you have a reliable internet connection, microphone, camera, and screen recorder. Additionally, if you are using a third-party tool or platform, become familiar with its features and functions. Introduce yourself and your project, explain the purpose and scope of testing, then ask participants to sign a consent form and inform them about their rights and responsibilities such as confidentiality, privacy, and feedback. Ask them to perform tasks or scenarios that you have prepared while observing how they interact with your prototype. Encourage them to think aloud and share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions without leading or influencing their actions or responses. Ask for ratings and comments on their experience using a survey or questionnaire to measure the usability of your website prototype. Finally, thank the participants for their participation and feedback by providing compensation or incentive.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?