Next in our process to update our Thought Spot mobile and web apps is usability testing. Shehab has been instrumental in setting up this phase and gives us a glimpse into the process.
Who are you and what is your position at CAMH?
My name is Shehab Sennah and I am a Master of Health Informatics student at the University of Toronto. I am currently working as a practicum student with the Client and Family Education team within CAMH Education.What project are you currently involved with?
My roles and responsibilities revolve around Thought Spot. Thought Spot is an app that aims to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of transition-aged youth by allowing them to find and share all kinds of health and wellness services in the GTA. I am primarily involved in conducting the usability testing of Thought Spot and planning other optimization activities.What is the goal of this project?
Usability testing is important because it ensures users are able to use Thought Spot effectively, efficiently and to their satisfaction. I conducted a literature review of papers outlining methods for usability testing in different domains, which informed my creation of the testing plan.I will be facilitating the testing of Thought Spot’s iOS app, Android app and website with representative users in lab and field settings. Various experts in health and technology will also conduct a heuristics evaluation. We’re hoping that different usability problems will be uncovered according to the different settings and style of evaluation. As with the development of any product, determining its problems will show us what we need to fix.
Who is this project geared toward?
It is important to note that there will be a randomized control trial (RCT) to determine Thought Spot’s ability to improve help-seeking behaviours for mental health concerns in transition-aged youth. Usability testing is not only a step in the process of ensuring the long-term success of Thought Spot, but also ensures that the results of the RCT will not be influenced by poor design and functionality.Where can someone get more information?
For more information please contact my supervisors, Genevieve Ferguson and Andrew Johnson.You visit the current Thought Spot website at: mythoughtspot.ca and you can join our community on Twitter (@mythoughtspot) and on Facebook (MyThoughtSpot) for events and the latest news, including a future app launch.