Rapid Prototyping with Axure RP Part 3 – Using Axure for Usability Testing as presented at Northern User Experience

1. Rapid
Prototyping
with Axure RP
Part 3 – Using Axure for Usability Testing

2. Hello, my name is Barry
• UX Architect at Code Computerlove
• Finished uni in 1998
• First job was as a Web developer
• Worked for couple of agencies in
Leeds before moving to William Hill
in 2001
• Moved from web development into
UX in 2005
• Been at Code since May 2008
• Been using Axure since v4

3. Some stuff about Code
• Largest independent digital agency in Manchester
• Been around for just over 12 years
• Staff of around 50 people
• Wide range of clients from all sectors
• I’ll show you some logos in a sec…
• (Everyone loves logos)
• Louis is my boss (say hi, Louis)
• You’re currently sat in our group workshop area
• (Apologies for the heat!)

6. Low-fidelity Prototypes

9. Hi-fidelity prototype

11. Pitfalls in testing with Prototypes
• Unfamiliar to users
• Can appear technical & don’t resemble a “real” website
• You need to remove barriers to your users’ understanding
• Focus on testing the new site, not their comprehension of
your prototype
• But you don’t want to build a fully functional website…

12. Testing your creative output

13. Why do it?
• Creative treatment can impact usability
• Appropriate visual cues
• Strong signposting
• Cognitive load
• Information scent for navigation
• Interactivity and visual feedback
• Branding & colours and can illicit unpredictable
emotional responses
• “Do you like the colours?” equally as valid as “can you
find the checkout button?”
• Perception of usability as important as “actual” usability
• All contributes to a positive experience on your site

14. What to test…
• Look and feel
• Navigation
• Simple interactions
• User Journeys / Scenarios
• I’ll show you how to recreate a
fairly complex user journey
using a fully designed mock-up

15. Using a design we borrowed…

16. Testing Scenario
• Book a single ticket for
yourself, travelling from
Manchester Piccadilly to
Leeds, after 8.30pm this
evening

17. [Axure Demonstration]

18. Recap on the steps to produce…
• Import the design
• PNG works best
• Add hotspots for core navigation
• Masque out areas you want to test interactivity
• Use blank panels, colour-matched with no border
• Drop in real form elements
• Add interactions and dynamic layers

19. Thank you
Any questions?

20. Next NUX
Manchester
Monday 4 th July
Same time, same place