This course introduces students to methods of gathering user requirements, designing usability tests for web sites, documents, and other products of interest.

Assignments include  a major usability testing project, with qualitative and quantitative usability report. Supporting assignments include informal memos and briefings, usability testing plans, user questionnaires & forms, email correspondence, and proposals.

Learning objectives for the course include:

• Understand and use the terminology associated with usability testing.
• Differentiate usability testing from usability engineering as well as from other methods of gathering usability information from experts and users.
• Plan and implement field research strategies for gathering task and user information.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for gathering user information.
• Design and conduct effective user research and analysis to develop an effective usability test.
• Use professional communication skills to work effectively with a client, users, and colleagues in developing effective usability testing.
• Use professional communication skills to formally reporting usability testing results, including informal briefings, formal presentations, and poster presentations.