CHALLENGE

I was asked by Jolly Learning Ltd to conduct usability testing for their Jolly Phonics Letter Sounds mobile application aimed at young children aged 3 – 6 years old. The Jolly Phonics Letter Sounds is a mobile application based on the Jolly Phonics methodology which aims to teach the 42 main letter sounds in English language, teach letter formation, blending and segmenting.

The main objectives of the user testing were to:

• understand how children (3 – 6 years old) engage with the application
• explore the children’s user experience of using the application
• explore how teachers, parents and carers can customise the child’s experience
• find any issues or difficulties experienced by the children
• find key areas for improvement

APPROACH

The usability testing sessions took place in two primary schools located in London and the children were recruited directly by the schools. Information sheets and consent forms were sent home to children’s parents and carers before the usability testing took place.

We only spent 30 minutes with each child and did not use any scenario based tasks during the sessions. Instead, the children were observed using the application. They were also asked some questions at the end of the session about their experience.

RESULTS

Based on the outcomes of the research and usability testing sessions Jolly Learning Ltd was able to implement major changes to the design that made the app more effective and appealing to young children. The app is now available on the Apple store. 

“Monica carried out a research study for us on an app which involved working with young children. She carried it out very effectively and was thoroughly professional. The results have informed our work and will lead to changes to bring about improvements.”

Christopher Jolly – Jolly Learning Ltd.

Research techniques: usability testing.