Most texts on usability testing define the role of note taker. Unfortunately, the role is not always properly appreciated and, worse, is often considered expendable. The lack of appreciation often stems from the perception that this is a junior or even administrative task. Recruiting a note taker can be challenging, either because team members are not allocated time to this role or because they view this as unrelated to their main activities. This goes so far as, when team members do observe sessions, many do not take any notes to share what they saw, even when encouraged to do so. At its best, though, note taking provides an essential contribution to a usability test that deserve appreciating and emphasis.
Note on presentation: Some new technology options for capturing information have come onto the scene since I presented this in 2010. Some of my own thinking has expanded about the role of a session logger (does so much more than just taking notes). However, the fundamentals of what make people good at this task and of what good notes look like have not really changed. As I've heard questions about this role in various places lately, I thought I'd upload this presentation with only minor updates for better readability on SlideShare and adjustments for updated file format.
17. 26 Wed 2010 Notable Notes: Bachmann
Questions?
• Karen.Bachmann@gmail.com
Thanks
• Dana Chisnell for feedback on the initial
idea leading to this presentation
• J. Rubin, D. Chisnell. Handbook of
Usability Testing: How to Plan, Design,
and Conduct Effective Tests, 2nd Edition.
18. 26 Wed 2010 Notable Notes: Bachmann
Image Credits
• Notebook: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/252413
• Colleagues: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/897342
• Team: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1030717
• Real person as notetaker: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/658889
• Clock: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1003409
• Hard at work: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/768095
• Team mates: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1193411
• Hawk: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1227598 (by Sias van Schalkwyk)
• Alexander cuts the Gordian Knot:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alexander_cuts_the_Gordian_Knot.jpg
• Notes: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/494879
• Coin: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/835971
• Paper pads and pencils: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1269186 (by Zsuzsanna Kilian)
• Keyboard and glasses: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1204276 (by Zsuzsanna Kilian)
• Superheroes (licensed): http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-10322200-super-
team.php