Memo

To: Vytautas Malesh

From: Ryan Foley
Date: 3/4/2016
Reg: User Test result from wiki how instruction testing.
Introduction:
Coding is becoming a very useful skill in todays world. The coding language C++ and a
compiler are useful tools when trying to solve various problems. The applications C++ can be
used for are endless and there are many things to learn to be successful at it. To learn C++
coding you have to start from the basics and move up steadily to understand everything.
Learning to code tools like a calculator and other various programs allows the user to learn
and gain more experience with C++ coding.
Objectives:
The goal behind writing this wiki how instruction set was to show a semi experienced C++
coding user step by step instructions on how to code a calculator function in C++. The testing
of the wiki how instruction set will allow me to obtain feedback on the clarity and usability of
my instructions and how the conform to the wiki how community standards. The test will
allow the user to give feedback on what areas of the instructions need improvement and it will
show the ability level required to user the instruction set.
Methods:
The instructions were tested on three testers. One tester with a good amount of C++ coding
experience, one with a moderate amount of C++ coding experience, and the last tester with a
low amount of C++ experience.
While each user was testing I observed and wrote notes on when and if the tester struggled
with the instructions. Each user was also asked to fill out a questionnaire after completing the
instructions to answer questions regarding about the instructions clarity, usability, and format.
1) Tester 1: Wayne state university student. Already had experience with most basic
C++ components, and some advanced understanding. Tester one was an
experienced user.
2) Tester 2: Wayne State University student. Has experience with basic
understanding of C++ coding, and has a general understanding of its components.
Tester 2 was a semi experienced user.
3) Tester 3: Wayne State University student. Has had slight experience with coding
but has never had direct experience with C++ code Tester 3 was the novice user.

Results:

The results of testing gave good insight on areas of the instructions that need improvement.
All of the testers had a good experience using the instructions and all of the testers were able
to complete the task. The testers thought the graphics were good and agreed that the
instructions were up to wiki how standards. The testers did agree though that some of the steps
were slightly unclear and needed to be reworded.
1) Tester 1: The experienced tester did not have difficulty with the instructions and
completing the code. The tester only had a problem when they went too fast and
missed key points in the step. The tester had a good experience with the
instructions and was satisfied with the clarity although they thought it had room to
improve.
2) Tester 2: The semi experienced tester was able to read and complete the
instructions but had some difficulty. The tester had multiple errors in their code at
the end of completing the instructions because they were going too fast and
missing small parts. They were able to fix the errors in the code using the source
code included at the end. The tester had a good experience taking the test and was
satisfied with the clarity although they stated one of the steps needed to be
reworded to prevent error for beginner users.
3) Tester 3: The novice tester had no problem understanding the instructions and
completing the code. The tester took the most amount of time going through the
initial steps but spent the least amount of time correcting errors in their code. The
few errors they did have were quickly fixed using the trouble shooter and source
code. The tester had a good experience and was satisfied with the clarity of the
instructions.
Conclusion
Some changes were made to the wiki how instructions based off of the feedback given by the
testers. All users felt that the steps of the instruction set could be clearer. Tester 2 the semi
experienced tester felt that some of the steps could use an upgrade in clarity and word choice
to prevent beginner users from getting confused. Testers 1 and 3 shared similar feelings that
the clarity could be improve but did not list specific examples.
1) The wording of step 12 was changed for clarity. Tester 2 felt the default statement
could be confused and be put outside the switch by a beginner user. To prevent this
from happening I clearly stated to keep the default statement inside the switch.
2) Steps 8, 9, 10 and 11 were reworded for clarity. All testers stated clarity could be
improved so I revised and made what is going on in these steps more
understandable by the user.
3) Various typos and words were changed throughout all steps to improve clarity of
the instruction set.
Attachments:
2

Appendix A: Tester 1
Appendix B: Tester 2
Appendix C: Tester 3