Coming from the world of aging, usability testing seems as one of the most, if not the most appropriate way to learn about this particular groups needs. Reliability as well as validity come as a frightening factor however. Specifically with the aging population, individual differences are so utterly high that if you have met one older person you have met one older person, the levels of dimension are extremely complex and high. So how does one find reliability in usability testing with older adults? Validity is also an issue with user testing and critically important for aging research or any research. Making sure to avoid validity issues is key.
Usability testing also involves planning, budgeting and making sure pilot testing is implemented. The next step is selecting appropriate test users and whether between or within subject testing will be performed.
Ethical issues must also be acknowledged, after all we are working with other individuals who should not be caused any harm. The authors also discuss the stages of a test and making sure that all stages are implemented appropriately, preparation, introduction, testing and debriefing. My understanding is that making sure you are methodical, organized and clear about your purpose, the usability testing should be successful. The authors also stress that having an operational definition for testing is critical.
Thinking aloud is a method involving the user speaking aloud while they are performing a certain task. This may be difficult for some but qualitatively it is a very useful tool to use during testing. Avoiding this uncomfortable aspect may be useful by performing a constructive interaction where two users are performing a task and thinking aloud.
Overall the usability method seems that it would result in a wealth of both quantitative and qualitative information, however a researcher must ask themselves whether it is the most appropriate method in order to answer their question.
Galina|HCC 7.2.9 