[IxDA Discuss] U-testing paper prototype Forms

[Jay Morgan]

Damon,

I'll second Todd's encouragment, and add that you could accomplish pre-fill
and tab-sequencing.  How much and what you  accomplish in each test session
depends on how creative you are in using paper to mimic hypertext.  You can
go farther, faster if someone else can sit with you during the test sessions
to play a supportive role.

1.  Using a pen shouldn't and doesn't typically get in any one's way or make
it too unrealistic.  The pretend aspect seems to engage participants more
than clickable screens.  Perhaps they're more comfortable suggesting changes
to paper than to a digital UI.  Also, you're usually introducing the pen as
their mouse/pointer, so they can pretend that's what it is and how it acts.

2.  Invest liberally in PostIt(R) or similar note paper that's both sticky
and shaped to fit your purposes.  You can get sticky notes that fit
the shape of most entry fields/boxes.  That helps you re-use prototype
pages, and detail the input/output to each field. If you need to use an
'edit' feature, you just give the user another sticky note.

3.  If a co-worker can sit with you during the sessions, s/he can act as the
"computer".  While you facilitate, the helper can, for instance, pre-fill
additional sticky notes and attach them to upcoming pages for the user.
That tackles your pre-fill problem.  Also, depending on how design-inclined
that helper is s/he could draw new pages during the session.  That helps you
explore ideas that come up with a user, or to go deeper into the interaction
you already had in mind.
If you don't have anyone to work like this in-session, you could do it ahead
of time or between sessions.  If you're prefilling simple things like name,
address, maybe you could just prepare sticky notes that read < your name >,
< your address >, and see if the user gets it.  If it doesn't work, take
them out of future sessions.

4.  As for tab sequence (or any key entry, for that matter), if some form of
input is integral to the interaction, give your participant a device that
mimics it.  Explain to them how it works in the introduction to your test .
If they don't have a mouse, but will encounter something they typically
click or double-click, tell them to tap the pen once or twice on the table
to mimic those, respectively.
If you're in a place where users are familiar with tabbing through, tell
them in the intro they can say "tab" out loud when they would use that
method.  Or, if you don't know they're familiarity with tabbing and you
don't want to prime them on it, just put a (whole or partial) keyboard on
the table in front of them and see if they use it.  Tell them to use the pen
for entry, and incidentally point out that they have a keyboard they can use
if and when they feel they need to, but you don't even have to introduce
it.

Like Todd recommended, ask yourself how you could do something in paper.
You can get really inventive.  I think it can help users to get into the
mood.  If they know it's fake and that you're really trying out different
ideas, they might be more inclined to comment openly on the approach they
would take.

You should write an introduction to the test session and read it to every
user before they start working.  Explain that you're at an early stage,
trying out new ideas, and want their feedback.  Ask them to think out loud.
Let them know what 'devices' they have - the pen is your mouse and you'll
use it to write, there's a keyboard here if you need it.  Tell them to let
you know how they expect each feature to work - that lets them know it's ok
to do it their way first, rather than trying to figure out your way or the
right way.  Tell them to let you know when something doesn't work the way
they think it should, and to ask questions whenever and wherever they want.


Good luck.  Enjoy it.


On 6/7/06, Damon van Vessem <damon at vanvessem.net> wrote:
>
> [Please voluntarily trim replies to include only relevant quoted
> material.]
>
> Hello,
>
> I'm going to run some usability tests on HTML forms. I'm considering
> using paper prototypes and have people fill in the fields with a pen,
> selecting items from dropdown lists laid down by the facilitator, etc.
>
> Does anyone have experience / research findings of how this would
> compare to people filling out the same form online (HTML)? Does the
> act of writing on paper skew the results?
>
> (I realise there are several aspects that could not be tested, such as
> copying contents between fields, browser pre-fills, tab-sequences, etc)
>
> Thanks
> Damon
>
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-- 
_________________________________
Jay A. Morgan
jayamorgan at gmail.com