Using Pre-session Homework to Elicit More Insights during Web Usability Testing

Lab-based, web usability testing plays a central role in user-centered design. Yet time constraints, anxiety-producing conditions of testing, and a narrow focus on designs that may not align well with user needs can restrict the kinds of information obtained from users. These limitations can be addressed, in part, by assigning participants broader and more exploratory activities to be completed prior to the session that help them articulate their preferences and the processes they follow in the relevant research area. Participants are then better able to bring this awareness to their evaluation of the design being tested in the lab. Incorporating these pre-study activities into web usability testing can lead to the generation of more and a broader array of actionable recommendations.