Usability Testing of Search Engines

• Test Suites

  • Set up continuing tests to make sure you don't break anything

  • Add new tests as you bring new sections online

  • Use a variety of testers, naive to expert, within your target audience

• Syntax

  • Evaluate your default options (AND vs. OR vs. Natural Language)

  • Encourage use of alternate syntax: how well does your interface explain options?

• Watch for Surprises

  • Be ready for user confusion

  • Try to understand what's going wrong

  • Test your fixes!

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Thunderlizard Web Usability 2000
Seattle, July 21

Avi Rappoport: Search Tools Consulting
www.searchtools.com