Usability Testing
After gathering information on the target user group and their design considerations, the researchers set about designing paper prototypes of what the app would look like. A home screen was designed following the guidelines set by McKnight (2011), containing a calming image and using brief instructions indicating the user to continue to the menu page.
​
The menu page was organised in an orderly way containing 6 menu options; mornings, going to school, the classroom, school yard, homework and activities. The menu options were both in image format and text underneath in a bold font to distinguish it from other text. A number of activity pages were also created, they contained images of scenarios such as children on a swing and a speech bubble below asking “I want to play on the swing but others are using it. What do I do?” There were then options below which the child can choose from such as “Wait your turn” or “Tell the teacher”.
These paper prototypes were then brought to the professionals working with ADHD children in a sport setting, along with a set of questions.
-
What is your initial reaction to the paper prototypes?
-
Do you think the slides are clear and easy to follow?
-
Do you think the use of images and text work efficiently?
-
Do you think the option choices are clear and correct?
-
How do you think a child with ADHD would react to this prototype?
-
Is there anything you would change to further improve the usability of the prototype?
Following the user feedback, high-fidelity prototypes of the app were created using a programme called Marvel App. Marvel App is an online programme allowing users to design interactive prototypes for iPhone, iPad and many other devices. The user can create wire frames by uploading designs from Photoshop and add effects and transitions using Marvel App options.
The pages were first created in photoshop, using the dimensions provided by Marvel App. Layers were then created to import images onto. Some images that were used had water marks around them so the masking too was applied to remove these marks and to remove any unnecessary background colours. The first slides created were the home screen, sign in/sign up page and the menu page
Sign in Page
Menu Page
Changes to the design of the app were implemented due to the feedback received from the users. It was recommended that we choose one style of image that could be used through the app as this would create more familiarity and less possibility of a child losing focus due to an image being too stimulating. The researchers chose a set of images from the same artist which were created with calming colours and a warm style. A login page/ sign up page was developed so as to create user security.
Adapted Screen
Another important piece of feedback that was implemented was to reduce the amount of text per slide. Originally, the paper prototypes contained a paragraph that explained a scenario. For the Marvel App design however, the scenario was explained using only sentence and in the form of a question. This was a much better way of keeping a child with ADHD focused on the task at hand without overwhelming them.
To test out the usability of the new high-fidelity Marvel App prototype, a participant was voluntarily recruited to use the app. The participant was given an information sheet explaining the app and what would be asked of them if they chose to take part in the research. Once ready, the researcher explained to the participant that they would be recorded using Camtasia and would be asked for their opinions of the app and to carry out a short task which would only take a total of 3 minutes. They were then asked to complete a consent form.
​
Once the Camtasia was turned and the participant ready, they were instructed to explore the Child’s Play App using Marvel App. They could take as long as they needed to do so. Once they were finished they were to return to the home screen. The participant was then given as task. They must find the scenario for sport. Once completed, the researcher asked the participant a set of questions. The questions included what their opinion of the app was and if they suggested any changes.
Upon competition of the user testing, the participant was debriefed and thanked for taking part in the user research testing.
Camtasia Questions:
​
-
What are your first thoughts about the app?
-
Did you think it was easy to use?
-
What did you like and dislike about the app?
-
Do you think the images are suitable for a chid aged between 6-9 years?
-
Do you think the text used in the app is age appropriate?
-
Do you think a child with ADHD would be able to use the app easily?
-
Is there anything you think you be changed or added to improve the app?
From the Camtasia feedback, the group decided it would be important to add a screen or a pop up of information explaining the concept of the app and how the user can play it. We had to design it in such a way that it explained everything accurately but using very little text and wordiness. We decided to use three short sentences, including a disclaimer that should the child have difficulty with understanding any aspect of the app, they should ask for help from a parent or guardian.
