User Test #1 Results

My first user test was with Xavier. He is a regular online user for booking.

Before reading this user test, I ask you to note that post-test Xavier revealed he hadn't read the brief about the site through. Please consider the first half of this test a "blind introduction".

Xavier's brief is available here

Screen videos are available here (12mins) and below.

Xavier's Homepage Review + Use

Initially comment is that the site is very visual, his focus is on the cartridge, eyes moves to logo and written information.

Xavier only reads one line of the introduction paragraph

The moves to the navigation bar. This could mean a change to the length of the information there. I'll keep an eye on this in further tests.

Xavier understands the homepage description as a business hired for communities

This supports my use of the word community to disguise the site from people looking to search for information with negative intentions towards the mafia. It is interesting to note that Xavier's first language is not English, and that he is maybe not picking up on the subtle suggestions in the words.

Presumes the "become a member" section as a place to create an account with the site

I used this title to again intentionally disguise the mafia's website as a regular business website. This is working. However, it also is good to keep this in mind.

"Book now" button confuses Xavier about the purpose of the site

At this point of the interview I am noticing Xavier's tone of voice is more rushed and a little nervous. I feel he is scrolling the website homepage but not managing to intake information. It's hard to know if this is the pressure of the test itself or a response to the website layout.

To gain more understanding, Xavier goes into "see more information"

I'm happy with the steps he's taking to investigate. The site flow is being followed correctly. He reads the information about the offer. He reads the "how it works" section.

He returned to the navigation bar to learn more about the company

This is something to consider later.

After reading the about us Xavier believes this is a site to grow your own company

Xavier clicks on the logo to return to the homepage, that's good.

Xavier again says it's unclear what the site is for but mentions a "mobster atmosphere".

Xavier's begins the assigned task

When given the task of booking an option and taking someone out, Xavier reviews the options and quickly understands that "sleep with the fishes" will be an appropriate permanent solution. Xavier directly selects "book now".He back tracks to "see more information". Xavier scrolls down to read how it works, and knows to return to the gold book now button. He understands he will submit information and be contacted.

Xavier says he knows where to go in the website to do what he wants to do.

This task was completed smoothly!

Likes

That the site is very visual

That it references movies

It's a fun website

Easy to find information

Works well

Dislikes

Xavier felt confusion at the beginning by the homepage

He mentions that although he was taken aback by image initially it is easy to find information

Xavier personally prefers text on the homepage to be on the right

Xavier thinks the site is too flashy for something that should be discreet

General Consensus

Although Xavier says he is confused about what the site is for he uses the site fluently. He says it's easy to use and find information which is great. The user flow is working smoothly. At first he is confused by the purpose of the website, but once he understands it he considers the message too obvious. By giving Xavier a scenario, he is looking at it from a more serious perspective. He wouldn't want to book from a company website that was so obvious about taking people out. I feel the attempts to reference the movie I am basing my character site on seem unprofessional to the user who sees the site as a business, but are relevant to the brief.

At no point is Xavier confused about where to click to reach the goal, stuck for information or other potential roadblocks that could have been anticipated.

How relevant English as a second language is in user testing for a website that is attempting to front as a shady business is really interesting.

Over all I feel satisfied the website is using UX principles well.

Is the sites purpose obvious? Not to this user

Does the site make it easy to find information? Yes in this case

Does the sites information provide enough for the user to be satisfied? Yes

Is the user able to reach their goal in a few clicks? Yes

Considerations & Potential Changes in response to this test

Xavier directly selects "book now".He back tracks to "see more information"

I could consider here having a "more information about us" button on each book now page.

He returned to the navigation bar to learn more about the company

I can consider having a text option in the information section to lead the users to the "about us" page to avoid them having to move up to the navigation bar.

The Become A Member section of the site is not viewed

After the test

Xavier said he thinks he did the test wrong. I asked Xavier to review the brief again, his response was one of embarrassment. He admits he hadn't read the brief fully. Xavier mentions English is not his first language.

Cover image source