In the Testing phase of Pulp
you get to find out how close your prototypes have come to meeting the objective you set for your game.
There are three steps to a test in Pulp
.
In the setup for the test the team define the test scenario
and task
, take on their roles, lay out the prototype, and prepare the environment.
-
Facilitator
The facilitator's job is to keep the test phase running smoothly, the key parts of this are:
- Introducing the
scenario
and thetask
to thetester
at the start of each test - Putting the
tester
at their ease - Helping the
tester
give useful feedback during and after the test - Covering for the
computer
in case of bugs and crashes
If you're assuming this role for the first time take a look at advice for facilitators
- Introducing the
-
Computer
The
computer
's job is to manipulate the paper prototype in response to thetester
's actions. The key parts of this are:- Understanding the prototype and how it is designed to behave
- Rearranging the prototype to show how it responds to the
tester
's actions - Making cute beeping and whirring noises
If you're assuming this role for the first time take a look at advice for computers
-
Observer
The
observer
's job is to make notes of what thetester
says and does during the test. This is harder than it sounds and primarily involves:- Watching and listening acutely
- Noticing tiny things
- Making useful notes
If you're assuming this role for the first time take a look at advice for observers
-
Tester
It is better by far if the
tester
isn't a member of the team which made the prototype. If you're playing in aPulp
game with more than one team you should exchange one or more players to be thetester
for other teams for this phase. If that's not possible maybe you can find somebody who isn't playing in your game to help you out!The
tester
's role is to try to use the prototype to achieve thetask
which has been set for this test. This involves:- Listening carefully to the
scenario
and thetask
- Helping the other players by talking all the way through the test, describing thoughts, feelings and impressions.
If you're assuming this role for the first time take a look at advice for testers
- Listening carefully to the