CSC151-01, Spring 2007 : Lab 25 : Instructions for the Facilitators

Along with the observer(s), who will be taking notes, review the task cards included with the device.

Place the device and any accessories (batteries, instruction manual, etc.) in front of the participant.

Facilitator: Here is a very brief introductory script to read to the participant. (In a real study, you would also need to obtain informed consent and demonstrate how to think aloud, but these won't be necessary in the context of our class.)

Thank you for participating in this study. Today we'll be testing an alarm clock. Please remember that we are testing the clock, not you. Your participation is important because you are helping us to identify problems with the clock's user interface.

I'll give you four tasks, one at a time. Please read the task out loud and then think aloud as you perform the task. Let me know when you are done with the task.

Do you have any questions? [Call the instructor if there are questions.]

OK, are you ready to begin?

Then let's begin.

Say, "Here is the first task," and present the first task card to the participant. Encourage the participant to continue thinking aloud with neutral utterances such as "mmm hmm" or "uh huh." If the participant falls silent for more than a slow count of 3, say, "What's going on now?" or "What are you thinking now?" If they remain silent, say, "Please remember to think aloud."

When the participant says the task is done, present the participant with the second task. Do the same for the third task.

Say to the participant: "The last task is a little different.The observer will be timing how long it takes to complete the task. Please don't think aloud, but just do the task as fast as you can---and of course, remember we are testing the clock, not you. Okay? Here is the task."

Return the clock to its original state (i.e., unplug it or remove the batteries). Put the clock, accessories, and task cards back in the bag. Assign new roles and raise your hands to get a new device to test.

Lab 25: Usability Testing

Instructions for the Facilitator