Buff and Debuff Manual User Testing

Background and Goals

We have implemented the function of buffs/debuffs and designed to explain them:

• A new button is shown on the main menu called "Buff&Debuff Manual".
• The user can click the button to enter a page that explained all buff features and debuff features.

This user test is to get enough feedback to improve our design.

Process

Our survey is divided into two parts:

1. Potential target population:

• We invite them to watch the prototype of the manual;
• After the demonstration, we interviewed a few questions for whether they can know about the effect of all buff&debuff features by reading this manual.

2. Professional developer/designer:

• Show them prototypes;
• Ask them questions about the layout and font setting of the manual page.

Key Questions

Potential target population:

• Do you think the buff&debuff manual clearly described all the buff and de-buff features?
• Do you fully understand the effect of every buff&debuff feature after reading this manual?
• What do you think needs to be improved？

Professional developer/designer:

• Do you think the buff&debuff manual clearly described all the buff and de-buff features?
• From the aesthetic point of view, what do you think needs to be improved?
• From the principle of interaction, do you think the font setting and the manual's entrance is suitable?

Survey Result

User 1: Student A (Has joined user evaluation test for previous sprints)

• Thoughts: The brief description of buff&debuff effects is awesome.
• Like: The buff&debuff manual is concise and clear.
• Not so good: Nothing bad.
• Comment: I love this handy manual.

User 2: Student B (Has joined user evaluation test for previous sprints)

• Thoughts: Didn't realise that the game can offer such a great description.
• Like: The background is vivid and pretty suits the topic of the game.
• Not so good: Personally I'm not a fan of this font, but this is probably my problem. They are overall beautiful.
• Comment: Overall good, but maybe try another style of font?

User 3: Professional Student C

• Thoughts: Creating a manual for buff&debuff features is an excellent idea since there are plenty of buff and debuff features in the game, which can confuse new players.
• Like: The idea is great, and the layout design and background choosing are awesome.
• Not so good: New players may not be aware that there is such a great manual for them.
• Suggestion: Can you put this manual automatically shown while clicking the start of the game for the first time? I think the manual is really useful for new players.

User 4: Professional Student D

• Thoughts: Useful and handy manual.
• Like: The font is vivid, and I like it very much. And new players of the game really need such a brief manual to play the game well.
• Not so good: The manual should be automatically shown to new players.
• Suggestion: Good design, so I suggest showing it to every new player. In addition, some enlarged icons would be appreciated.

Summary

• After interviewing four students (result above), many participants claimed that the buff&debuff manual was handy and useful. They are all highly valued for the graphic design of the manual, font setting and page layout.
• Some participants complain about the font is beautiful and most of them love it. Many participants highly rated the entrance of the manual as the button is pretty easy to find since it lies at the right bottom of the main menu. However, some professional participants suggested making the manual automatically shown to new players since they will need it. Professional participants wish to see some enlarged schematic diagrams for those buff&debuff icons.
• All feedbacks are valuable and will be considered for the next sprint.