What is Usability Testing?
Learn how to conduct this research method and what tools you need.
Initially, when I started to learn about usability testing, I had no idea what it means and how I am going to do it.
I have prepared this post from my learning and practical experience. and I hope this post can be helpful for you to understand what usability testing means and how you can work on this research method.
Usability testing is one of the most often used approaches in user experience research. And I one of the most important part of any product design process.
The method is used to identify any usability problems and understand users’ thought process, collect qualitative and quantitative data.
How to conduct the test and what tools do I need?
The usability test can be conducted on live websites, digital products, mobile apps, desktop apps , softwares or prototypes.
Usability testing can be done:
- Moderated or Unmoderated
- In person; Face-to-Face (Task-based)
- Behavioral
- Interactive
- Remote (online)
Forms & Documents you need
For Participants
- Participant’s Profile Questionnaire
- Consent forms (informed, recording)
- Constent form for Remote
- Usability Tasks Sheets
- Post Test Questionnaire
For Testers
- Observation Sheets
- Pen for taking notes
- Script for Dialog
Tools for Task-based Test
Participants receive instructions to complete specific tasks.
- Find a maximum of five people to run the test on.
- Live video recording of participants
- Audio and Screen recording (OBS or Quicktime)
When should I use this method?
- To understand current user behaviour, needs, wants and concerns.
- To get feedback on early concept ideas, which you should pursue and why.
10 Tools for Remote Testing
Participants can be located anywhere, the entire study is completed online.
- usertesting.com
- usabilla.com
- userzoom.com
- Loop11.com
- usabilityhub.com
- optimizely.com
- fivesecondtest.com
- fullstory.com
- hotjar.com
- sessioncam.com
Useful Resources & Free Templates
nngroup.com
interaction-design.org
usabilitygeek.com
usabilityfirst.com
uxplanet.org
“Designers know too much about their product to be objective judges: the features they have come to love and prefer may not be understood or preferred by the future customers”. ~ Donald Norman