Paper Prototype

I made a paper prototype to test the user interface and to check how the users feel about the present features in the app. I would like to know whether they think some features are not in the right place there or maybe if they are missing some features they would expect in a mobile version of Toledo.

Here are some photos of part of the paper prototype:
(In total there are about 20 pieces of paper)

After the thesis meeting of today, I will be making some changes to it as suggested by my adviser. So expect a new version later this week.

Of course I can't just sit down with candidate testers and tell them to play around with it, so here is a small evaluation design:

1. Short Introduction

- Introduce myself and my thesis briefly.
- Explain what a paper prototype is and why I made one.

2. Background Check

Ask a little background survey:
- Age?
- Gender?
- Smartphone possession?
- Level of smartphone usage?
- Toledo usage on a smartphone? (regular site)
- Do you feel there is a need for a mobile version?

3. Test Explanation

- Explain the steps of the test.
- Ask them to think out loud.
- Tell them to not hesitate to ask questions or give criticism or suggestions.

4. The Test

- I will tell the testers a small story of a student that wants to use the app that will include a full flow of most of the basic functions the app offers.
1) Locate the next class.
2) Read the latest announcement of that class.
3) Mail to a contact of that class.
4) Check the time of an exam.

During these tasks:
- I will record the test (with the testers permission of course)
- I will count the number of clicks needed for the tasks
- Take note of the path taken to complete each task (if possible)

After the test I will analyse the record and check how many times they asked a question or that I had to help.

5. Free Afterthoughts

Give the tester a chance to openly speak what he thinks of the app.
(I will do this before step 6 so the tester is not influenced by the prepared questions.)

6. Small Survey

- SUS questionnaire (survey for usability)
- Would you use it?
- What features do you think are not necessary
- What features do you feel are missing?


I will try to find at least 5 or 6 candidates for this test during this week, hopefully I can then finish the evaluation in the weekend.


Some comments I already had from my adviser trying the paper prototype:

- Save announcements to a TO-DO list? (native app, Google tasks, ...)
(The same goes for saving classes to Google calendar (or native calendar app)!)
- A share option? (Build in intent in Android, lets you share stuff (like class you
are attending, announcements, etc) through different preinstalled apps, like
Facebook, twitter, sms, ...
- A back arrow? (for iPhone users, Android users have a back hardware button)
- Make it possible to the user to group contacts in different ways.
- Use colors in the next version of the prototype!