Start from the beginning. Describe the project as if it was the first time someone was hearing about it. Always link to project page on DPW website if one exists. Always spell out acronyms. Where is the project? Be specific as possible about the geographic limits of the project Why is this project being done? How will … Continued
See Writing Style Guidelines Make sure language is easy to follow: No jargon terminology – define unknown terms Spell out acronyms The public are not technical experts, so assume you reader knows nothing Writing should be at a 9th grade reading level Use short sentences to break up large thoughts and make the information easier to … Continued
What product or service are you developing or improving that needs to be tested? Select typical tasks and scenarios that a person would follow when engaging with the service/product. The test will help determine how easy or difficult it is to accomplish. Examples: A parent wants to rent a picnic table at a park for … Continued
Find volunteers that meet a profile that best fits the scenario you are trying to test. Use social media and email promotions to find volunteers to test your prototype or product. Ask your colleagues if they know any experts or regulars who would be a good fit. Consider testing at least 5 users to get … Continued
The test script provides structure to your test and will help you run each session consistently. The script should include: Introductory questions to provide context for the test and help make the tester comfortable “How do you typically find information about City programs?” “Have you planned an event that required working with the City?” “What … Continued
Ask permission to record the session and try to make the tester comfortable before getting started. Assure that you are testing the product and not the user to help ease any discomfort around technology. Remind him or her to be honest with feedback and to talk through challenges and thoughts out loud as they perform … Continued
With testing complete take time to analyze and summarize the results of your tests. Find insights you gained, areas of improvement and recommendations to take to the product team. It helps to have a deliverable report that summarizes data, observations, and actionable steps the team can take to build off of the outcomes of testing.
Introduction to remote moderated usability testing, part 1: What and why Introduction to remote moderated usability testing, part 2: How 18F Usability Testing Guide How to run a remote usability testing
Neighborhood/HOA newsletters, email lists and meetings Businesses: Business Improvement District (BID), Chamber of Commerce Non-profits: Canal Alliance Marin IJ: In Your Town Other public agencies: Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), San Rafael City Schools, Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), County of Marin, neighboring jurisdictions (i.e. Town of San Anselmo, etc.)
Snapshot (City Manager bi-monthly newsletter) Public Meetings City Council meetings Parks & Recreation Commission Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee