skip to main content

Ready for action?

Resources

Tangible Resources

location for test setup, user research paper

Preparation

Liaise with school for test-setup in the cafeteria.

Goals, messages & concepts

Specific goals

  • To learn how to collect and analyse test data in order to measure the impact of their solutions.
  • Students will learn about placement in the environment.
  • To identify possible improvements whilst observing their products in use.

Specific messages

  • Testing is an important part of problem-solving, and an effective way to improve the quality and effectiveness of a product.
  • You can test prototypes with users to predict the success of an idea.

Main terms

  • user testing
  • target audience
  • stakeholder
  • product design

Practices & skills

STEM practices

  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
  • Asking questions and defining problems

Soft skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration

Management skills

  • Planning
  • Use of resources

Course of activity

step 1

Setting up an evaluation method. Students determine:

  • their objective in testing their prototype
  • how to evaluate their design with users (their peers)
  • how to measure if/when their design are effective 
  • how to gather information about the opinions of users

step 2

Running the test

  • Students plan a special event at the cafeteria where they will present their prototypes
  • Students present their prototype to fellow students (focus group)
  • Students gather feedback of peers

step 3

Discussing outcomes plenary

  • Discuss the user tests and share the knowledge gained
  • Discuss what they would have changed knowing what they know now