NRCS Testing Roles

Owned by Marguerite Dibble
Last updated: Jun 12, 2024 by Shannon Mitchell
2 min read

Introduction

This document presents the key roles and time commitments for NRCS staff conducting user testing for the VegSpec suite of tools. Please reference the Glossary & Terms as needed while reviewing this document.


Facilitators

As a Facilitator, you will be sharing each tool with target Respondents to gather their feedback on the application. This includes the following key responsibilities.

  • Engage in provided Facilitator training on User Testing (training videos and/or a training workshop).

  • Review and understand the functionality of the tool undergoing User Testing.

  • Review and understand the provided Testing Plan for this user testing round.

  • Utilize the Testing Plan to conduct User Testing with Respondents (farmers, NRCS staff). This can happen in two ways:

    • Option 1: Facilitated Feedback - One-on-one sessions can be conducted in person or via video conference and will take an estimated 30 to 60 minutes.

    • Option 2: Remote Feedback (Asynchronous Testing) - Send a User Testing Kit to selected Respondents (farmers, NRCS staff) with reply deadlines that you monitor. The kit includes testing instructions and feedback forms.

  • Report on your findings from your sessions via the items provided (e.g., spreadsheets or Google forms).

  • Time Required: 3 hours for Facilitator Training, 30 to 60 minutes to conduct testing per User Test plus 15 minutes to report feedback. Maximum monthly time commitment is 10 hours.

 

Respondents

As a Respondent doing user testing, you will use the tool and provide feedback on your experience. This includes the following key responsibilities:

  • Review the tool. This can take two forms:

    • Option 1: Facilitated Feedback - Spend an estimated 30 to 60 minutes with a Facilitator in person or via video conference to review the tool, provide feedback, and answer their questions.

    • Option 2: Remote Feedback - Use the User Testing Kit provided by the Facilitator for “Asynchronous Testing” to test the tool on your own and answer questions about your experience. The development team may request a conversation with you, which is optional, on your experience.

  • Complete the feedback forms regarding your testing experience (Google forms).

  • Time Required: 30 to 60 minutes for testing, 15 minutes to complete feedback forms, and an optional 15 to 30 minutes for a follow-up conversation with developers. Maximum monthly time commitment is 10 hours.