There are two areas of testing that should be done on a web site before it is launched. Quality assurance testing involves the more technical aspect of the site. Will the site appear properly in many different browsers? Will the languages used be interpreted properly by the browsers? Does the site work? Usability testing involves users and their interaction with the site. The site may work technically, but does the design and navigation work for the user. Is the user able to find what they are looking for? Can the user complete any task they may have come to the site to complete?

• How would we conduct quality assurance?
• There was very limited testing time. What would we test?
• How would we design the tests?
• Where would we find people to test the site?

Using Flash had an added benefit to the team. Since Flash is read by all major browsers in a similar fashion, we did not have to spend too much time on browser testing. Our quality assurance testing happened internally with all team members testing all navigation links on every page. Each team member reviewed the site for typos. We also tested to be certain that the behaviors that were coded for navigation and interaction worked properly throughout the site.

Our limited experience and knowledge of testing required the team to conduct a bit of research. It was decided that the portions of the site with interactivity and form functionality would be the most logical areas for us to test for usability. We investigated and practiced observation and open-ended questioning. We knew those were the skills necessary for our testing.

Developing user tasks to test for usability only makes sense. We referred back to our user definitions and scenario to guide us in creating user tasks for the test. The test was developed and reviewed. We also needed to know who we were testing. A demographic survey was created as well.

Fortunately, finding people to test the site was not too much of a concern for the team. Recruitment was built into the class experience. We did research types of recruitment for usability and the importance of recruitment. Unfortunately, the sample tested did not reflect the site's "typical" user, however, the information gained by testing was useful in making improvements to the site.

The team members had little experience or interest in the realm of testing. I had some experience with market research and questionnaires and I feel I have a strength and strong interest in this area. The challenge was to create interest in the team members. Stressing the importance of testing and that testing would improve the success of the site was the motivation the team needed. A project manager needs to be able to motivate the team, even when the team has little interest. The project manager must provide the excitement and energy necessary to get the job done.

I used my enthusiasm for this phase to motivate the team and to teach them what I could of the process.