Steve Krug gives a presentation to a group of developers for Outsystems. Video and slides are available, along with Outsystems' short eBook on usability rules for developers.
Showing posts with label Steve Krug. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Krug. Show all posts
Friday, 21 June 2013
Usability test facilitator help from Steve Krug
Steve Krug has long had a load of resources related to his excellent book 'Rocket Surgery Made Easy' freely available online. He's just added a nice extra resource to help you with user testing facilitation.
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Why usability problems go unfixed
You'd think it would be a no-brainer to do something about serious usability problems when they're uncovered. But in some instances things that cause problems for users time and again, affecting business performance go untouched. Why? Caroline Jarrett and Steve Krug's presentation explains.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
User testing & focus groups
Steve Krug covers the fundamental misunderstanding some managers have about usability testing with a funny animated vid and blog article.
Usability testing forum
I mentioned Steve Krug's new blog a little while ago. Hanging off that is a forum for people to share their usability testing experiences. You may even get a response from Steve if you pose a question...
Or failing that, from one of the many eager usability testers contributing.
The current categories:
Or failing that, from one of the many eager usability testers contributing.
The current categories:
- Questions?
- Testing success stories
- Testing horror stories
- Polls
Steve Krug interviews
A couple of interviews in which Steve talks about his approach to usability testing, with lots of hints and tips. The biggest area of interest to me was around raising awareness, buy in and support for this kind of activity.
Friday, 12 August 2011
Steve Krug blog
Steve Krug - author of probably the two most accessible and enjoyable books about usability - has started blogging.
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Building websites for ROI - podcasts by Paul Boag
Paul Boag has published a series of podcasts in which he explores ways that your website can begin to pay for itself. It's a great series full of advice and real world examples (both off and online) which can help you focus your thinking on how and why you manage your website like you do.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Website review by Krug & Rosenfeld
Online video of Steve Krug and Lou Rosenfeld reviewing the US Library of Congress website.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Steve Krug in conversation
Audio and video of usability expert Steve Krug in conversation. He's obviously promoting his new book - Rocket Surgery Made Easy (which is very good, by the way) - but there are lots of useful insights along the way.
Audio
Paul Boag chats with Steve Krug (40 min) - listen online, mp3 download, full interview transcript
Susan Weinschenk interviews Steve Krug: "Everyone should do usability testing" (20 min) - mp3 download and interview summary
Video
Nancy Aldrich-Ruenzel interviews Steve Krug in a series of short videos produced by his book publisher, New Riders.
Which sites Steve Krug uses most and why - video interview (4:20)
Steve talks about reading the newspaper on the Web vs. print (2:40)
Steve Krug talks about his second book, Rocket Surgery Made Easy and how it differs to his first, Don't Make Me Think (10:00)
When should you hire a usability professional vs. going it on your own? Steve Krug weighs in on the pros and cons (15:50)
Audio
Paul Boag chats with Steve Krug (40 min) - listen online, mp3 download, full interview transcript
Susan Weinschenk interviews Steve Krug: "Everyone should do usability testing" (20 min) - mp3 download and interview summary
Video
Nancy Aldrich-Ruenzel interviews Steve Krug in a series of short videos produced by his book publisher, New Riders.
Which sites Steve Krug uses most and why - video interview (4:20)
Steve talks about reading the newspaper on the Web vs. print (2:40)
Steve Krug talks about his second book, Rocket Surgery Made Easy and how it differs to his first, Don't Make Me Think (10:00)
When should you hire a usability professional vs. going it on your own? Steve Krug weighs in on the pros and cons (15:50)
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Usability testing scripts & checklists from Steve Krug
Steve provides a number of free downloadable resources to supplement his book, Rocket Surgery Made Easy.
Great to use as-is, or to adapt for your own purposes.
Great to use as-is, or to adapt for your own purposes.
- Sample usability test script
- Recording consent form
- Checklists
- Instructions for Observers
- Hall Monitor’s Guide
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Steve Krug's usability test demo
The second chapter of Steve Krug's new book - Rocket Surgery Made Easy - is a single page. He tells you to go to his website and watch him run an accompanied surf usability test.
The 25 minute video is right there on his website. Free to download. Whether or not you bought his book. You should though. It's very good.
Steve Krug demonstrates how to execute a usability testing session - 25 minute video
Free chapters of Steve Krug's Rocket Surgery book
The 25 minute video is right there on his website. Free to download. Whether or not you bought his book. You should though. It's very good.
Steve Krug demonstrates how to execute a usability testing session - 25 minute video
Free chapters of Steve Krug's Rocket Surgery book
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Steve Krug's usability testing maxims
I'm currently reading Steve Krug's new book - Rocket Surgery Made Easy. Peppered through it are his top usability testing tips - his "maxims".
A morning a month, that's all we ask. Steve's advice on the frequency of usability testing. Nothing big or clever, just enough to keep everyone focused and to keep usability on the agenda.
Start earlier than you think makes sense. It's never too early to consider some form of usability testing. Even the earliest concepts drawn on the back of a napkin. Personally I prefer the back of an envelope.
Recruit loosely and grade on a curve. Don't get too hung up on who you recruit to test with. Recruitment of participants can be a pain, after all. While it's better to have representative users, if you can't get them test anyway and grade your findings accordingly.
Make it a spectator sport. The more people involved with the website you get to watch, the greater the buy in you will get for usability improvements. And the reports and summaries you write after the test can be shorter.
Focus ruthlessly on a small number of the most important problems. The most important problems will bring the biggest benefits when fixed. Unless you're starting really early with your testing, there are going to be things you need to let go. Personally, I like to try and fix the easy ones too, even if they're more minor problems.
When fixing problems, always do the least you can do. This is the one I need to pay most attention to. I probably think too hard about fixes and strive for perfection. Steve says it's better to get something in place, and move on. There'll be more testing and more issues to uncover. Striving for perfection makes for a bigger job likely to take longer.
A morning a month, that's all we ask. Steve's advice on the frequency of usability testing. Nothing big or clever, just enough to keep everyone focused and to keep usability on the agenda.
Start earlier than you think makes sense. It's never too early to consider some form of usability testing. Even the earliest concepts drawn on the back of a napkin. Personally I prefer the back of an envelope.
Recruit loosely and grade on a curve. Don't get too hung up on who you recruit to test with. Recruitment of participants can be a pain, after all. While it's better to have representative users, if you can't get them test anyway and grade your findings accordingly.
Make it a spectator sport. The more people involved with the website you get to watch, the greater the buy in you will get for usability improvements. And the reports and summaries you write after the test can be shorter.
Focus ruthlessly on a small number of the most important problems. The most important problems will bring the biggest benefits when fixed. Unless you're starting really early with your testing, there are going to be things you need to let go. Personally, I like to try and fix the easy ones too, even if they're more minor problems.
When fixing problems, always do the least you can do. This is the one I need to pay most attention to. I probably think too hard about fixes and strive for perfection. Steve says it's better to get something in place, and move on. There'll be more testing and more issues to uncover. Striving for perfection makes for a bigger job likely to take longer.
Free chapters of Steve Krug's Rocket Surgery book
Last month I mentioned a free chapter of Steve Krug's new book - Rocket Surgery Made Easy. I've come across another.
Opening remarks: "Call me Ishmael - How this book came to be, some disclaimers,and a bit of housekeeping" (PDF download)
Chapter 4: "What Do You Test, and When Do You Test It?: Why the Hardest Part Is Starting Early Enough" - article on www.peachpit.com
Opening remarks: "Call me Ishmael - How this book came to be, some disclaimers,and a bit of housekeeping" (PDF download)
Chapter 4: "What Do You Test, and When Do You Test It?: Why the Hardest Part Is Starting Early Enough" - article on www.peachpit.com
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
New Steve Krug book - Rocket Surgery Made Easy
I've just read the free chapter of Steve Krug's new book, Rocket Surgery Made Easy, on his website. I want a copy. Now.
It's a few years since I read his first book, and I'd forgotten just how witty and engaging Steve is when he writes.
I'm also a bit peeved that I forgot to put it on my Christmas list. Never mind, that's what the January sales are for...
If you're remotely interested in having a website that is easy for your visitors to use, I defy you to read this, and not want the rest of the book.
Sample chapter (PDF download) - "Call me Ishmael - How this book came to be, some disclaimers,and a bit of housekeeping"
How to buy the book at Sensible.com - Steve Krug's website
It's a few years since I read his first book, and I'd forgotten just how witty and engaging Steve is when he writes.
I'm also a bit peeved that I forgot to put it on my Christmas list. Never mind, that's what the January sales are for...
...it's a how-to book that explains exactly how to do your own usability testing.
I wrote it because I really do believe that everyone can—and should—be doing their own testing.
If you're remotely interested in having a website that is easy for your visitors to use, I defy you to read this, and not want the rest of the book.
Sample chapter (PDF download) - "Call me Ishmael - How this book came to be, some disclaimers,and a bit of housekeeping"
How to buy the book at Sensible.com - Steve Krug's website
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Steve Krug & Lou Rosenfeld in the UK
Steve Krug and Lou Rosenfeld run two day workshops togther, and are coming to London early next year. Together they cover low cost usability testing and information architecture.
Steve Krug wrote the excellent book, Don't Make Me Think. If you only ever read one book on usability...
Lou Rosenfeld wrote the definitive book on information architecture, Information Architecture for the World Wide Web (aka the Polar Bear Book). I've had a copy of this book on my shelf for 7 years now and still come back to it time and again. If you build websites, you probably should own a copy.
They're running their sessions through Etre, a usability company.
Etre Get Together - with Steve Krug and Lou Rosenfeld - March 2010
Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think
Lou Rosenfeld's Polar Bear Book
Etre usability email newsletter - personally I find them waffly, self indulgent and over familiar. But hey, that's just me. And I suppose if I hadn't subscribed I might not have found out about this...
Steve Krug presentation online
I blogged this free online presentation months ago. Worth highlighting again if you missed it...
Steve Krug on the least you can do about usability
Steve Krug wrote the excellent book, Don't Make Me Think. If you only ever read one book on usability...
Lou Rosenfeld wrote the definitive book on information architecture, Information Architecture for the World Wide Web (aka the Polar Bear Book). I've had a copy of this book on my shelf for 7 years now and still come back to it time and again. If you build websites, you probably should own a copy.
They're running their sessions through Etre, a usability company.
Etre Get Together - with Steve Krug and Lou Rosenfeld - March 2010
Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think
Lou Rosenfeld's Polar Bear Book
Etre usability email newsletter - personally I find them waffly, self indulgent and over familiar. But hey, that's just me. And I suppose if I hadn't subscribed I might not have found out about this...
Steve Krug presentation online
I blogged this free online presentation months ago. Worth highlighting again if you missed it...
Steve Krug on the least you can do about usability
Saturday, 3 October 2009
User testing done for you - usertesting.com
This looks like a fantastic idea. I've not tried it yet, but they certainly have a lot of endorsements.
If it's good enough for Steve Krug, it's good enough for me.
Set up the test you want (what site or sites, the scenario, the tasks) and select the number of participants you need. Then sit back and wait for the results to come in. Every participant produces a video of them completing your test, plus a write up.
At $29 per participant, it would be pretty hard to do the work yourself at this price. Particularly if you want to involve external participants from specific demographics, and you're going to have to pay them.
Although this is a US-based company, you can select UK-only participants too.
I'm definitely going to give it a try in the near future.
usertesting.com - fast, low cost usability testing
Follow up: I did some testing a month or so later and was very happy with the service - usertesting.com big thumbs up
If it's good enough for Steve Krug, it's good enough for me.
Set up the test you want (what site or sites, the scenario, the tasks) and select the number of participants you need. Then sit back and wait for the results to come in. Every participant produces a video of them completing your test, plus a write up.
At $29 per participant, it would be pretty hard to do the work yourself at this price. Particularly if you want to involve external participants from specific demographics, and you're going to have to pay them.
Although this is a US-based company, you can select UK-only participants too.
I'm definitely going to give it a try in the near future.
usertesting.com - fast, low cost usability testing
Follow up: I did some testing a month or so later and was very happy with the service - usertesting.com big thumbs up
Monday, 27 July 2009
Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug
Absolutely the best book I've read on usability, bar none. Everyone should own a copy.
The book’s tagline reads: “A common sense approach to web usability”. It’s exactly that.
Easily read in a matter of a few hours, it will leave you thinking differently about your website and the ‘obvious’ mistakes we all make.
The chapters on how to conduct usability testing are available to download from Steve Krug’s website:
Steve Krug’s website: www.sensible.com
A couple of chapters have also been turned into articles for Adobe. They give a real flavour of what you can expect from the book.
How we really use the web - Scanning, satisficing, and muddling through
Usability as common courtesy
The book’s tagline reads: “A common sense approach to web usability”. It’s exactly that.
Easily read in a matter of a few hours, it will leave you thinking differently about your website and the ‘obvious’ mistakes we all make.
The chapters on how to conduct usability testing are available to download from Steve Krug’s website:Steve Krug’s website: www.sensible.com
A couple of chapters have also been turned into articles for Adobe. They give a real flavour of what you can expect from the book.
How we really use the web - Scanning, satisficing, and muddling through
Usability as common courtesy
"Religious debates" cartoon from the book. If you've never experienced this as you've worked on a website you're either very fortunate or you work alone.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Steve Krug on the least you can do about usability
"Steve Krug talks about informal usability testing and how the minimum of work can give you extraordinary results."
A great opportunity to see a truly engaging usability expert present for free. The presentation is about 40 minutes.
I love the approach Steve takes to usability. It's easy. It's for everyone - not just usability nerds. Manager, programmers, marketers, content owners - you can't afford to ignore the basics.
Steve Krug' presentation on the least you can do about usability
A great opportunity to see a truly engaging usability expert present for free. The presentation is about 40 minutes.
I love the approach Steve takes to usability. It's easy. It's for everyone - not just usability nerds. Manager, programmers, marketers, content owners - you can't afford to ignore the basics.
Steve Krug' presentation on the least you can do about usability
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