Date: 02/21/2023

To: Jewish organization

From: Molly Novin
Subject: Usability test

Dear colleagues,
I am writing this memo in regard to a usability test that I recently executed regarding
planning and preparing for a Shabbat dinner. The purpose of the usability test was to see
what problems someone following the instruction guide would run into as well as to seek
out potential solutions for these problems.

Summary
The participant of this usability test had prior knowledge of Shabbat traditions and regularly
attends Shabbat dinners, but has rarely prepared for the dinner. I gave the participant a set of
written instructions on Monday. The instructions suggest starting preparing for the dinner on
Wednesday. By giving the instructions at the beginning of the week, the participant was given
prior notice that the instructions span over three days.

Usability Test
By giving prior notice, the participant was given enough time to invite guests as well as
plan out a menu. The participant followed all of the instructions day by day, starting on
Wednesday. On Wednesday, the participant decided on a traditional menu including gefilte fish,
soup, baked chicken, potato kugel, and kosher candies. After deciding on the menu, the
participant went to a grocery store and purchased everything they needed for dinner while
making sure all of the products had a kosher certification.
On Thursday, the participant began cooking. They used the suggested tip in the
instructions to use pre-made dinner rolls as challah dough. The participant had confirmed which
guests were attending with the exception of two people. The participant took their potential
attendance into consideration when cooking in order to ensure that there would be enough food
for all guests. The participant began cleaning their house on Thursday night instead of Friday as
the instructions suggested.
On Friday, the participant finished the rest of the cooking for dinner. The participant is a
male, so they did not have to worry about candle-lighting times because only women light
candles. The participant did check what time Shabbat starts using the link provided in the
instructions. The participant warmed all of the food with this time limit in mind and finished
preparing the dinner before Shabbat began.
Feedback
Overall, the participant did not struggle with any of the instructions. This is possibly due to the
fact that the participant had prior knowledge of Shabbat traditions, and had grown up watching
their family prepare for Shabbat every week. I believe that this prior knowledge and experience
of the participant made it easier for them to accomplish the instructions that were outlined. The
participant felt as if the instructions were very straightforward and simple. The participant also
liked that the instructions included tips. The participant also liked that the instructions took place
over the course of three days and felt that it was easier to plan due to this outline. The participant
found the “things to consider” questions helpful while planning for their dinner.

Recommendations
Overall, the participant did not have many recommendations for changes to the instructions. The
participant suggested that the instruction to clean their house on Friday be moved to Thursday so
that the user will not be in a possible time crunch on Friday before Shabbat. Additionally, the
participant suggested that the instructions include more links to recipes as well as potential menu
ideas. The participant suggested that the instructions include a blank ‘shopping list’ page in the
instructions packet for the user to fill out when planning their dinner.

Conclusion
After conducting the usability test and receiving constructive feedback from the participant, I
believe that the instructions guide is user-friendly for our audience. Implementing the
recommendations given by the participant of the usability test will further improve the
instructions for public use.
To: editor@organization.com
From: mollynovin@gmail.com
Subject: Usability test memo

Dear colleagues,

Recently, I conducted a usability test regarding an instructions packet for planning a Shabbat
dinner. In the attached memo, I have included a summary of the usability test as well as the
feedback that was suggested by the participant. Overall, positive feedback was received and
small suggestions for improvements were made by the participant. At your earliest convenience,
could you look over these suggestions? I would love to hear your valuable feedback and
implement any improvements that could be made.

Regards,

Molly Novin