Automated Usability Test Environment (UTE) Tool Fact Sheet

The automated Usability Test Environment (UTE) Tool is software used to collect, analyze, and report the results of scenario-based Web site usability tests. The UTE Tool helps federal Web managers efficiently and effectively test their Web sites to make them more citizen-centric.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces overall usability testing costs and testing time
• Improves reporting accuracy and consistency by automating routine, manual tasks
• Expedites the usability testing process, enabling more tests in the same timeframe
• Saves time by producing test plans and test reports quickly and automatically
• Captures valuable performance, satisfaction, and demographic data
• Provides metrics to show quantitative improvements resulting from changes to the Web site
• Compares test results with usability objectives and prior test data/results

Other Features:

• Collects, analyzes, and charts data on users' performance (successful task completion rates, time on task, navigation paths, error rates, etc.), satisfaction ratings, and demographic data
• Provides rapid data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Randomizes test questions for each test participant to increase validity
• Reduces bias from test administrator or note-takers, making the test more objective and the usability testing process more rigorous
• Automates test forms, paperwork, pre/post-test questions, and usability scenarios
• Available in English and Spanish languages

How to Get the UTE Tool:
UTE is available free to US federal government agencies. (You must be a federal employee to access this software for free.) Instructions on downloading, installing, and activating the UTE are available at: http://www.mindd.com/Content.aspx?pid=UTE-Federal or by contacting Mind Design Systems at 801-782-5544 or UTEinfo@mindd.com. UTE is available for purchase by non-federal organizations and individuals. Contact Mind Design Systems at 801-782-5544 or UTEinfo@mindd.com.

Federal Partners:
The following federal agencies partnered to develop the UTE: the General Services Administration (GSA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) IUSER Project.

Questions?

• Contact Mind Design Systems, Inc. at 801-782-5544 or email UTEinfo@mindd.com.
• Additional information available from the Frequently Asked Questions about the Automated Usability Test Environment (UTE) Tool.