Evaluation
Usability Testing and Reflection
Testing Plan
We conducted usability testing with three target users to evaluate whether the prototype was clear, motivating, and suitable for use in an onsite climbing environment. Participants were asked to complete key tasks such as selecting a route challenge, checking progress, and reading coaching feedback.
Participant 1
Beginner climber with limited prior climbing experience.
Participant 2
Intermediate climber familiar with climbing gyms and route grading.
Participant 3
Experienced climber / mentor interested in coaching and feedback tools.
Key Findings
- Users liked the route challenge framing because it made sessions feel more structured.
- The badge and progress elements increased motivation and made improvement easier to notice.
- Some users wanted more visual clarity in navigation and larger buttons for mobile interaction.
- Feedback cards were seen as useful, but users preferred concise wording and clear tags.
Iterative Refinements
Based on testing, we simplified the route selection interface, reduced the amount of text on each page, improved spacing for mobile screens, and made feedback cards more scannable. We also strengthened the visual hierarchy of progress elements to make rewards easier to interpret.
Social and Ethical Reflection
We considered issues of accessibility, user confidence, and inclusion. The system avoids overly competitive framing and instead supports gradual growth, encouragement, and low-pressure participation for beginners.
Technical Reflection
During development, we focused on keeping the prototype lightweight and mobile-friendly. We also reflected on the role of AI-assisted tools in ideation and implementation, ensuring that key design decisions remained grounded in our own research and testing.