Review: Usability Test Data Logger

Many people use Microsoft Excel to analyse the results of usability tests, but did you know you can use it to collect the data too? This usability test data logger spreadsheet allows you to measure task completion rates, analyse questionniare data, and summarise participant comments. It even includes a timer so you can measure time-on-task.

The spreadsheet, developed by Todd Zazelenchuk, is highly customisable (a password is provided to unprotect worksheets). The key features are:

-Free of charge: Dataloggger is freeware, distributed under a Creative Commons License.

-Cross-platform: Datalogger is a PC- or Macintosh-compatible Microsoft Excel file (requires Microsoft Excel to run).

-Customisable: You can enter participant details, task names, task order, specify pre- and post-test interview questions and include your own satisfaction questionnaire.

-Scalable: Can be used for up to 12 participants and 20 tasks.

-Captures quantitative data: The spreadsheet includes preset task completion scores and includes a built-in timer to record time-on-task.

-Captures qualitative data: Allows data entry of qualitative observations for each participant and each task.

-Provides real-time data analysis: Automatically generates charts illustrating task completion, time-on-task and user satisfaction with the product.

-Speeds up report writing: Provides a summary of pre- and post-test questions and observations organised according to question and task to simplify data analysis. (No more shuffling bits of paper).

Associated Link: Userfocus Resources

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