Usability testing is a process of evaluating the functionality of a product (website/application/service). It is a critical step in developing a product, as it helps ensure that the product is easy to use and meets the needs of its users.
Why Usability Test?
Why do we need to do usability testing? Won’t a good professional UX designer know how to design a great user interface? Even the best UX designers can’t design a perfect — or even good enough — user experience without iterative design driven by observations of real users and of their interactions with the design.
There are many variables in designing a modern user interface and there are even more variables in the human brain. The total number of combinations is huge. The only way to get UX design right is to test it.
How Usability Testing Works
The basic steps of usability testing are as follows:
Assign a facilitator. The facilitator is responsible for leading the usability test and observing the participants.
Assign researchers. The researchers are responsible for collecting data and analyzing the results of the usability test.
Recruit sample users. The sample users should be representative of the target audience for the website or application.
Direct users to perform tasks. The facilitator will direct the users to perform a set of tasks on the website or application.
Observe and take notes. The facilitator will observe the users and take notes on their actions and reactions.
Compile data & suggest changes. The researchers will compile the data from the usability test and suggest changes to the website or application.
The Most Common Methods Of Usability Testing
The best method of usability testing will vary depending on the specific product or application being tested, the budget, and the time constraints.
Moderated usability testing: This is the most common type of usability testing. The facilitator observes the participants as they use the product and asks them questions about their experience. This type of testing can be done in person or remotely.
Unmoderated usability testing: This type of testing is done without a facilitator. Participants are given a set of tasks to complete and their interactions are recorded. This type of testing is less expensive than moderated testing, but it can be more difficult to interpret the results.
Guerrilla usability testing: This type of testing is done in public places. The facilitator approaches random people and asks them to try out the product. This type of testing is quick and easy to do, but it is not as reliable as other methods.
Remote usability testing: This type of testing is done online. Participants are given a link to a website or application and they complete the test on their own time. This type of testing is convenient for participants, but it can be more difficult to control the environment.
A/B testing: This type of testing is used to compare two different versions of a product. Participants are randomly assigned to use one version or the other. The results of the test are then used to determine which version is more effective.
Ease of use: This metric measures how easy it is for users to recover from errors they make.
Task success rate: This metric measures the percentage of users who were able to complete a set of tasks successfully.
User satisfaction: This metric measures how satisfied users are with the product.
System Usability Scale (SUS): This is a standardized scale that measures usability on a scale of 0 to 100.
Time on task: This metric measures the amount of time it takes users to complete a set of tasks.
Error rate: This metric measures the number of errors that users make when completing a set of tasks.
Learnability: This metric measures how easy it is for users to learn how to use the product.
Memorability: This metric measures how easy it is for users to remember how to use the product after they have not used it for a while.
Define The Goal Of Usability Testing
It is also important to note that the goal of usability testing can change over time. As you learn more about the product or service and the target audience, you may need to adjust the goal of usability testing. This is perfectly normal and should be expected.
The product or service being tested: What are the specific features and functions of the product or service? Who is the target audience?
The budget and time constraints: How much money and time do you have to spend on usability testing?
The desired outcomes: What do you hope to achieve with usability testing? Do you want to identify usability problems, make recommendations for improvement, or improve the user experience?
