Lab Work 1.4 User Testing Framework

In Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, when players get near doors or shrines, a green seal appears, calling to their attention. Regarding the interaction mechanic, this addresses a concern about...

• Simple Action

• Timing / Window of Opportunity

• Discovery and exploration

• Precision

In the Research Kick-Off, researchers…

• Define the objectives
• Define the methods
• Define the characteristics of participants
• All of the above

Consider a 2D metroidvania game (e.g., Hollow Knight, Ori).

The study goal is to know if players understand how to complete a find-and-retrieve mission.

How can we assess it?

• Count how many times players returned to a wrong location

• Assure that players defeated all the enemies in the area

• Ask players how can they open the inventory

• Ask players the name of the quest giver NPC

Consider a 2D metroidvania game (e.g., Hollow Knight, Ori).
The study goal is to know if players can obtain the double jump mechanic from Al Zed, the Trainer, and use it to reach the top of the city tower.
How should we present the task to the participants?

• Talk to Al Zed, the Trainer, and then reach the top of the city tower

• Explore the city and reach the top of the city tower

• Reach the top of the city tower after getting the double jump from an NPC in the city

• After finding the double jump, use it to climb the tower by pressing the Space key twice, repeatedly

To recruit the best participants for a study…

• Check if they are familiar with the genre
• Check if they have practice with the available mechanics
• Check if they are interested in other activities related with the game genre (e.g., watch action movies, practice the sport, read fantasy novels)

• All of the above

When creating the test environment, researchers make sure that...

• It looks like a room fit for an interrogation
• Participants feel comfortable as they were in their own home
• Different input controllers are available, in case the participants prefer to play differently
• The room has windows

Before a usability test, researchers should…

• Acquire the game build and check if it works correctly

• Choose the required equipment, hardware and software tools

• Define research roles and run a pilot test
• All of the above

During the study, researchers…

• Should start recording the test and set a timer

• Must not assist participants under any circumstances

• Should remind participants that they are testing their skills

• Should be concerned about filtering the irrelevant notes