Experienced web software usability testers required

We are looking for experienced web software usability testers to rigorously test our web application.


The successful applicants will be provided with full access to the application and will be provided with a set of functions to complete. During the testing process each tester will record any issues that they feel may impinge upon a user's experience of using the software.

A sample of usability issues to be tested are as follows:

Clarity of Communication

Does the site communicate effectively/ appropriately to it's intended audience?

Does it use language in a way that is familiar to and comfortable for its readers?

Is it conversational in its tone?
Does the site provide provide sufficent instruction on each page to help users find their way around the system?
Are there any dead-ends? (e.g. with nowhere to go)

Accessibility
Is load time appropriate to content, even on a slow dial-in connection?

Is it accessible to readers with physical impairments?

Is there an easily discoverable means of communicating with the author or administrator?



Consistency
Does the site have a consistent, clearly recognizable \"look-&-feel\"?

Does it make effective use of repeating visual themes to unify the site?

Is it visually consistent even without graphics?


Navigation
Does the site use (approximately) standard link colors?

Are the links obvious in their intent and destination?

Is there a convenient, obvious way to maneuver among related pages, and between different sections?



Design & maintenance
Does the site make effective use of hyperlinks to tie related items together?

Are there dead links? Broken PHP scripts? Functionless forms?

Is page length appropriate to site content?


Visual Presentation
Is the site moderate in its use of color?

Does it avoid juxtaposing text and animations?

Does it provide feedback whenever possible?

(for example, through the use of an easily recognizable ALINK color, or a \"reply\" screen for forms-based pages)

On completion of usability testing you will provide a report detailing your experience carrying out each of the prescribed functions describe in detail any problems or issues you encountered and how you think these could be overcome. You will also report programming bugs individually via on online bug tracking program.

Applicants should submit there bids along with any supporting usability test reports and documents they have previously completed in order for us to assess the suitability of each applicant.