This week, our continued exploration of of 23 user research methods brings us to category number 5: Test It.
Test It methods help you to get early input. The sooner you start turning ideas into prototypes, the sooner you can put those prototypes in front of real users and catch your own misconceptions. Test it early, test it often—and save yourself time and money!
Prototype Evaluation
As early in the design process as possible, put low-fidelity prototypes in front of users for feedback and evaluation. Don’t present the concept. Find out how they would try to use it without much explanation.
Think Aloud Protocol
Ask your participant to complete special tasks using a prototype of your product or a related existing product. Ask them to think out loud—to over-verbalize every thought—as they try to complete the tasks. Quiet participants might need gentle reminders to think aloud as they proceed.
If you’d like to hear more about how to use these methods, give us a call. Or check out our recent posts on Show me, Tell me, Get a Report, or Watch and Listen.