Usability

In my usability I decided to use 2 methods as shown below. This was to make sure that I make quality product based on the knowledge and interest of my targeted group.

Focus group

• I decided to use a focus group because they are best utilized as an evaluative tool, rather than a generative one. I facilitated a small group of 5 to 10 East African participants by demonstrating them my product or concept. I encouraged them to freely give their honest opinions about the product, including suggestions to make it better.  The results were very productive and constructive I utilized them in making my product.

One-on-One Interviews

• One-on-One interviews actually helped me to learn about my users’ attitudes and beliefs surrounding my website or application and specific tasks that the website or application supports. In order to prevent me from introducing bias and to ensure that every participant is asked the same questions, I prepared a Discussion Guide, that is a list of questions that I used to ask participants in a particular order. As I asked questions, I decided to ask probing follow-up questions to gain more clarity about how a task is performed and how a participant feels about it. Although I could ask questions about equipment, tools, people, and procedures involved in a task, the participants answered the question based on the way a task “should” be completed, and not necessarily how it is completed on a regular basis.