Validating SageBook's design decisions through rigorous testing to ensure it truly helps users feel confident and capable in the kitchen.
View Evaluation Strategy ↓SageBook's evaluation focuses on four core objectives that align with our hunt statement and user research findings:
| Objective | Evaluation Focus | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Improve Culinary Confidence | Does SageBook reduce intimidation for beginners? | Pre/post confidence surveys, observed hesitation points |
| Teach Foundational Skills | Are users retaining and applying cooking techniques? | Tutorial replay rates, skill application in recipes |
| Motivate Continued Use | Do badges and progress tracking encourage return visits? | Retention rates, streak maintenance, badge earnings |
| Support Seamless Cooking | Is the app practical during real kitchen activity? | Hands-free usage, voice command adoption, task success |
We'll employ a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods throughout the development lifecycle:
Testing will focus on key user journeys identified during our research phase:
Each session will include:
We'll track these quantitative indicators throughout testing and post-launch:
Goal: >80% complete recipes without external help
Goal: Reduce by 20% from first to third use
Goal: 25% of users return after first month
Pre/Post Confidence: "How confident do you feel cooking this recipe?" (1-10 scale)
Tone Feedback: "The app's voice feels like a supportive friend" (agree %)
Each core feature has tailored evaluation criteria:
| Feature | Evaluation Method | Success Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Step-by-Step Recipes | Observational testing + task timing | Users complete without external help, report clarity |
| Skill Tutorials | Tutorial replay rates + applied skill checks | Users can demonstrate technique without guidance |
| Gamification | A/B testing + retention metrics | Badge earners show higher return rates |
| Community Tips | Usage analytics + interview feedback | Tips viewed in >40% of recipe attempts |
| Cottagecore Aesthetic | Emotional response surveys | Users report feeling "calmer" with interface |
Unlike competitors, we're specifically evaluating emotional response and confidence building—not just task completion.
Integrated with our agile development sprints:
Mid-fi prototype testing
• Basic usability tests
• Heuristic evaluation
• SUS benchmark
Hi-fi prototype testing
• Emotional response study
• Visual design feedback
• Task success metrics
Beta release
• Diary studies
• Real-world analytics
• Retention tracking
Post-launch
• A/B testing
• Feature refinement
• Longitudinal studies
88% of testers reported the visual style made them feel "more relaxed" while cooking.
Novice users completed recipes 40% more often with our guided flow vs. traditional formats.
While some love badges, others ignore them—we're making these elements optional.
"The most surprising finding? Users weren't just completing recipes—they were smiling while cooking. That emotional shift is exactly what SageBook aims to achieve."