CONDUCTING A TEST #3

Why a test plan and what are its components?

Conducting a smooth observational usability test can be facilitated be creating a test plan. A test plan will help ensure that nothing is overlooked by the test team. A well thought out test plan can also act as a template for future studies and may help validate the usability test in the eyes of skeptics (Dumas and Redish, 1993; Rubin, 1994; Neilsen, 1996).

Establishing a plan involves (Dumas & Redish, 1993):

• defining test goals;
• deciding who should be participants;
• establishing tasks and task scenarios;
• deciding how to measure usability;
• preparing materials, the test environment, and test team, and;
• conducting a pilot test and revising test procedures.

  A test plan can also include other factors such as budget, time schedule, definition of a successful test etc. No matter what the test plan is made of it is important that the entire test team is involved in creating the test plan. This will ensure all members of the team understand the test objectives.