Usability Testing is a way to see how easy to use a solution or product is by testing it with real users. Users are asked to complete tasks, typically while they are being observed by a researcher to see where they encounter problems and experience confusion. By watching how users behave while executing tasks, we gain insights to make improvements.

It keeps us accountable to what matters the most, the needs of the end user.

Objectives of Usability Testing

1. To determine if users can complete tasks.

2. To access behavioral and subtle cues of users as they complete tasks.

3. To see how much users enjoy using the solution.

4. Identifying problems

5. Finding solutions.

Usability Testing and UX research as a whole have a deeply humanizing impact on the design process

Usability Testing as an iterative process

• Plan

  a. Define what I want to test.

  b. Decide how to conduct the test.

• Set user tasks

  a.Prioritize the important tasks to meet objectives.

  b. Clearly define tasks with realistic goals.

• Recruit testers

• Facilitate/moderate testing

Usability Testing Methods

1. Performance Testing

2. Card Sorting

3. Tree Testing

4. 5-second test

5. Eye tracking

Tips for Moderating Usability Tests

1. Use pauses and silences when the need arises.

2. Use a monotone tonality with users.

References

• "What is Usability Testing? | IxDF (Interaction Design Foundation) 2 Jun. 2016, https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/usability-testing

• "A Guide To Usability Testing: Tools, Methods & Examples." 6 Sep. 2021, https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/usability-testing-guide/.

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