Set Up for the Test Sessions

• Make sure you have everything you need
• Do a dry-run and a pilot test

Make sure you have everything you need

Use the test plan to create a list of everything that you need to do to set up for the test sessions.

Usually, you must be sure you have:

• the prototype you are going to test
• the computer set up for the participant with the monitor, resolution, and connection speed that you indicated in the test plan
• note-taking forms on paper or set up on a computer
• consent forms for participants to sign and a pen in case the participant does not bring one
• questionnaires, if you are using any
• the participant's copy of the scenarios
• cameras, microphones, or other recording equipment if you are using any
• folders to keep each person's paperwork in if you are using paper

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Do a dry-run and a pilot test

If you are at all worried about the technology, do a dry-run without a participant. A dry-run allows you to test the technology and to get a good sense of the scenarios and the Web site.

Then do a pilot test. In a pilot test, you learn:

• whether your questions and scenarios make sense to the participant
• how long participants are likely to take for each scenario
• if the technology is working as you expect it to

Also, in a pilot test, the facilitator and note-taker(s) get to practice their roles. Do the pilot test with a participant from your less experienced user group because that way, you are more likely to see any problems with your materials or your timing.

Do the pilot test at least a few days before the main data collection is scheduled to start so that you have time to change the scenarios or other materials if necessary.

If the pilot test is different from the regular test, do not count the pilot test participant's data, especially not in your quantitative results. If you do not make changes after the pilot test and the pilot test was very much like the other test sessions, you may want to count the pilot test participant's data.

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Next steps

Once you have set up, you are ready to Conduct the Usability Test.

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