Aaron, welcome, and thank you for being here.
>> You're welcome.
>> So I want to start with explaining what we're going to do and
going through the process of consent.
And so we've asked you here to help us evaluate a user interface,
and in particular we're looking at a city government website.
I'm going to give you a particular task to do.
I'll give it to you on paper.
I'm actually going to ask you to read it aloud.
And I'm going to ask you to do that, starting at the website.
And, as best as you can, as you're going through it, think out loud.
If you're making a decision.
If you got a question, say it.
We're in a usability lab here where we are recording you.
The camera's probably a dead giveaway.
>> [LAUGH] >> But, we're recording you anyway.
We're recording the screen.
And we have people behind that mirror, as you well know,
that are watching and learning from this.
>> Yeah. >> Our goal is to figure out,
is this website usable?
And if not, how might we design in differently?
>> Wow. >> We're not asking you to try to critique
it for us.
I know you're actually pretty qualified to do that.
>> [LAUGH] >> But
just to go through the process of trying to use it, and
we'll learn from you going through that process.
>> Okay.
>> Encourage you to ask questions, even though we probably won't answer them.
And when you're done and
you feel that you have the answer for this, say so, and I'll come back in.
And if you reach a point where you just feel like you're completely stuck,
you can say that, too.
>> Okay. >> And
we're delighted to find out about that, because it just points out
where things might not be as easy for people to use as we would like.
>> Yeah. >> The last thing I want to make clear,
you're here voluntarily, You know you're being recorded.
If at any time you say you don't want to be recorded, we will stop.
If you say, I just don't feel good about this, we'll let you leave.
And we just want you to know that there's nothing about this that's testing you.
>> Yeah. This is all the way of
understanding whether this website is working.
And, frankly, helping our learners online who are going to understand this process,
and try to replicate it for themselves.
>> Yeah. >> So with that, why don't you read for
us this particular task description.
>> Okay. So, curbside pickup.
You've just moved into St Paul, into a house at 1018 Randolph Avenue,
between Lexington Parkway in Chatsworth Street, congratulations!
You've seen recycling bins around, so you assume the city picks it up.
You'd like to find out when you should put it out, and
whether you have to pay for this service.
Starting at stpaul.gov, find your recycling schedule and fees, if any.
>> Great, any questions before I leave you and go inside?
>> I don't think so.
>> Wonderful.
Go ahead and remember as best you can, think aloud.
>> All right, cool.