User Testing

For user testing the project, a selection of users from the Interactive Media Design degree at Dundee University were asked to give a short, one minute, pre-written speech into the microphone and observe the virtual audiences reaction to see that they were speaking clearly enough for them to hear, as they would in a real presentation (this would also show them how to maintain eye contact with the audience). Afterwards, they were given the opportunity to offer any feedback on what worked for them when using the system and what didn’t work and to suggest any improvements that could be made. Their testing and discussions were filmed. Below are the participants and a short video clip featuring their user testing and the discussions held after the testing was done.

Euan McGhee

Murray Raine

Rob Black

The video shows clearly what the testers thought could be done better and how to tackle the issues to improve the quality of OnStage and ensure it's success. These suggestions include:-

• Some form of presentation script shown next to the audience on the screen in order to see the audience better whilst presenting.
• Better indication of when the user's voice was going too quiet, too loud, etc.
• Recording the users voice and the audience and playing back afterwards so users can see how they did in comparison to the audience.
• Larger audience
• Improved overall experience, including a lectern and microphone on a stand
• Some form of timer to keep presentation practice within a time limit

These suggestions will be taken into consideration when designing the final piece. Some may be implemented into this but, due to time restrictions, not all of them will be at this moment. However, should OnStage be developped further, these and other ideas will be given some consideration and will be implemented into a future version.