Module 6: Focus Groups, Observational Research, and Beta Testing
Readings for Module 6/Week 6 of Class
Required Readings -- General
Reading 1: Chapters 6-9 of Rocket Surgery Made Easy (Course Textbook)
These chapters of Steve Krug's Rocket Surgery Made Easy review different aspects of working with and observing users under different conditions and in different settings and situations. It provides an effective introduction to and overview of how usability and user experience research often occurs. As you read these chapters, consider how the ideas they cover connect to concepts and approaches examined in prior modules/weeks of class.
Reading 1: Chapters 6-9 of Rocket Surgery Made Easy (Course Textbook)
These chapters of Steve Krug's Rocket Surgery Made Easy review different aspects of working with and observing users under different conditions and in different settings and situations. It provides an effective introduction to and overview of how usability and user experience research often occurs. As you read these chapters, consider how the ideas they cover connect to concepts and approaches examined in prior modules/weeks of class.
Readings on Focus Groups
Reading 1: What is a UX Focus Group?
This entry from Usability Matters summarizes what focus groups are, when and how they are used, and how to conduct one. It provides a foundation for understanding what this method is and gives readers checklists to guide if and how to use focus groups during product development.
Reading 2: Focus Groups
This entry from Usability.gov explains what focus groups are and provides checklists of items to consider when creating focus groups for testing designs.
Reading 3: The Use and Misuse of Focus Groups
This entry from Nielsen Norman Group reviews what focus groups are and also explains when and how to use them when testing designs in the product development process. The entry also discusses how this method should be used with other data collection techniques to get a more comprehensive picture of user expectations and needs.
Reading 1: What is a UX Focus Group?
This entry from Usability Matters summarizes what focus groups are, when and how they are used, and how to conduct one. It provides a foundation for understanding what this method is and gives readers checklists to guide if and how to use focus groups during product development.
Reading 2: Focus Groups
This entry from Usability.gov explains what focus groups are and provides checklists of items to consider when creating focus groups for testing designs.
Reading 3: The Use and Misuse of Focus Groups
This entry from Nielsen Norman Group reviews what focus groups are and also explains when and how to use them when testing designs in the product development process. The entry also discusses how this method should be used with other data collection techniques to get a more comprehensive picture of user expectations and needs.
Readings on Observational Research
Reading 1: How to Conduct User Observations
This entry by the Interaction Design Foundation provides an effective overview of what observational research is and what the differences between "controlled" and "naturalistic" observations are. The entry also offers suggestions on how and when to include observational research into different projects.
Reading 2: The Role of Observation in User Research
This article from the online magazine UXmatters provides a more detailed examination of different types of observational research used in usability and user experience projects. The entry also discusses different factors to consider when planning research projects involving participant observations.
Reading 1: How to Conduct User Observations
This entry by the Interaction Design Foundation provides an effective overview of what observational research is and what the differences between "controlled" and "naturalistic" observations are. The entry also offers suggestions on how and when to include observational research into different projects.
Reading 2: The Role of Observation in User Research
This article from the online magazine UXmatters provides a more detailed examination of different types of observational research used in usability and user experience projects. The entry also discusses different factors to consider when planning research projects involving participant observations.
Readings on Beta Testing
Reading 1: Usability vs. Beta Testing (What & When)
This entry from UX SISTERS explains what beta testing is and how and when it is used by comparing it to and contrasting it with usability testing. The entry also provides checklists for identifying when and how to use each approach and a comparative table describing the benefits and limitations of each.
Reading 2: Beta Testing vs. Usability Testing
In this blog post from the Microsoft Developer Network, a developer discusses the differences between usability testing and beta testing. This post provides an example of certain ideas noted in the other reading on the topic and explains the limitations and advantages of each in the product development and design processes.
Reading 1: Usability vs. Beta Testing (What & When)
This entry from UX SISTERS explains what beta testing is and how and when it is used by comparing it to and contrasting it with usability testing. The entry also provides checklists for identifying when and how to use each approach and a comparative table describing the benefits and limitations of each.
Reading 2: Beta Testing vs. Usability Testing
In this blog post from the Microsoft Developer Network, a developer discusses the differences between usability testing and beta testing. This post provides an example of certain ideas noted in the other reading on the topic and explains the limitations and advantages of each in the product development and design processes.
Other Week 6/Module 6 Materials
To access other materials for Module 6/Week 6, click on the related link below