Usability testing involves observing users interact with products while researchers observe and note issues. Testing reveals how easily users accomplish tasks and where confusion occurs.
Usability testing uncovers usability problems designers missed. Early testing prevents costly fixes later.
Testing Goals
Usability testing investigates:
- Task Completion: Can users accomplish intended tasks?
- Efficiency: How quickly do users complete tasks?
- Errors: What mistakes do users make?
- Satisfaction: Do users find the experience satisfying?
Test Planning
Effective testing requires planning:
- Research Questions: What do we need to learn?
- Participant Recruitment: Who are our users?
- Scenarios: What tasks will users perform?
- Success Criteria: What indicates success?
- Measurement: How will we measure success?
Moderated Testing
A researcher guides participants through tasks, asking questions and observing. Moderation enables asking follow-up questions and clarifying behaviours.
Moderated testing is more expensive but provides richer insights.
Unmoderated Testing
Participants test independently without a researcher. Remote testing services like UserTesting enable unmoderated testing.
Unmoderated testing is cheaper and quicker but provides less insight.
Remote Testing
Participants test from home using their own computers. Screen sharing enables researchers observing interactions.
Remote testing is convenient for participants and researchers.
In-Person Testing
Participants test in a lab setting with a researcher present. In-person testing enables observing body language and environmental factors.
Test Sessions
Sessions typically involve:
- Welcome and explanation
- Scenario presentation and initial tasks
- Think-aloud protocol (asking users to narrate thoughts)
- Follow-up questions
- Debriefing
Participant Selection
Recruit representative users. Testing with the wrong participants (like designers or fellow employees) biases results.
Sample Size
Testing with 5-8 users typically uncovers major usability issues. Testing with more users identifies fewer new issues.
Data Collection
Testing data includes:
- Task completion (did users complete tasks?)
- Errors (what mistakes occurred?)
- Time-on-task (how long did tasks take?)
- Observations (where did users struggle?)
- Quotes (what did users say?)
Analysis
Analysis synthesises findings. Identifying patterns - common issues affecting multiple users. Severity assessment determines which issues to address first.
Reporting
Findings are reported clearly with:
- Summary of findings
- Specific issues with severity
- Quotes and video clips
- Recommendations
- Prioritisation for fixes
Iterative Testing
Testing and iteration is continuous. After addressing issues, retest to verify improvements.
Remote Usability Testing
Platforms like Maze, UserTesting, and others enable remote testing. Video conferencing enables moderated remote sessions.
Mobile Testing
Mobile testing presents unique considerations. Small screens, touch interfaces, and interruptions differ from desktop. Testing on actual devices is important.
A/B Testing
A/B testing tests variations against each other. Users are randomly shown variation A or B. Metrics indicate which performs better.
Guerrilla Testing
Informal testing with quick sessions (5-10 minutes) in public places. Guerrilla testing is quick and cheap, though less rigorous.
PixelForce's Testing
PixelForce conducts usability testing validating designs. Testing informs improvements ensuring products work well.
Ethics
Ethical testing protects participant privacy and wellbeing. Informed consent ensures participants understand testing.
The Future
AI-assisted analysis may identify patterns automatically. Biometric measurements may supplement observations. However, human observation remains valuable.
Usability testing is essential for building usable products. Testing early and often improves outcomes.