Exploring a Third Method： Usability Test
This article Usability (User) Testing 101 helped me understand that usability testing is about watching real users do real tasks. A person called a facilitator listens to what users say and watches how they use the product. I was surprised that we only need five users to find most of the problems. This means we don’t always need a big group to learn useful things.
I also learned that writing the task clearly is very important. If the task is not written well, users might get confused or give the wrong feedback. This can make the test results not useful.
The article also talked about two kinds of usability testing: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative tests help us learn stories and feelings from users. Quantitative tests give us numbers, like how long a task takes or how many people finish it.
Another useful point was about remote testing. We can use online tools to test without a facilitator. This saves time and makes it easier to test with more people.
2. Imagine an ideal scenario where this method could be applied in your Project B context
In our Project B, we are designing window decoration for Mushroom Makerspace. We want people to know this is a creative space when they see the window from outside. In an ideal usability testing setup, we could show our design ideas (like posters, patterns, or signs) to people who visit or work in the makerspace. We would ask them to look at the window and tell us what they think this place is about, just by looking. A facilitator would ask open-ended questions and take notes.
This testing could help us understand if our design really shows the makerspace’s identity. We could learn if users feel it’s a space for creativity, building, and learning. If they feel confused, we would know the design needs to be changed. Maybe they don’t understand the icons or colors we use, or maybe it doesn’t look “maker” enough.
Compared to methods like surveys or interviews, usability testing lets us see real reactions. We don’t only ask what they think—we see how they feel and what they notice first. It would work well together with observation and feedback because we can understand not just what people say, but why they feel that way. This can help us make a decoration that speaks clearly to everyone who enters the space.