Alexandra Almond shares lessons from testing a full-size train-carriage mock-up with 87 passengers. She explains how the team observed boarding and travel behaviour, collected feedback, and handled the practical challenges and limits of a large usability study.
People
Alexandra Almond
Methods
Usability TestingUsability testing reveals where people struggle while attempting realistic tasks with a prototype or service. In a moderated session, a researcher observes the participant and may ask them to explain their thinking. Use it to investigate confusing language, layouts or interactions and identify improvements. Agree research questions, recruit likely users and prepare believable tasks that do not reveal the solution. Explain that the service is being tested, then mostly watch and listen rather than guiding participants. Record observations and follow up on unclear behaviour. Plan accessible sessions, including participants’ own assistive technology when appropriate.
PrototypingBuilding disposable stand-ins for a product — from paper and clickable wireframes to coded spikes — so teams can try interactions before committing to build. Used to explore options, align stakeholders, and run usability tests on something people can click or walk through. Fidelity should match the question: low for flow and structure, higher when timing, motion or real content matter.