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The Complete Guide to Usability Testing : Definition, Principles and Methods

By July 1, 2020September 18th, 2023No Comments4 min read
The Complete Guide to Usability Testing : Definition, Principles and Methods

In order to enhance the ease of access by the users, every organisation relies on usability testing. Software testing techniques and the use of the correct principles and methods ensure that the software meets the requirements of the users. Here’s a complete guide to Usability Testing brought to you by our team of experts!

What is Usability Testing?

It is actually a process of evaluating the application and determining its readiness to be released in the market. With the help of UI and UX, testing organisations can measure the application accessibility and analysis the application is user-friendly or not. UI and UX testing are also called as Usability testing. The different types of usability testing and usability testing tools help us in ensuring enhanced experiences for the users.

What are the Main Principles of Usability Testing?

In our guide to usability testing, we have focused on the principles and methods for you to understand better. Here’s a list of the main Principles of Usability Testing to fulfil the end user’s expectations –

  • Analysis of the user needs and requirements
  • Provide world-class graphics
  • Use creative videos, slideshows, and animation.
  • Take care of security
  • Formulated taglines 

Top Methods Or Types Used for Usability Testing

As a top Usability Testing Service providing company, we have researched and listed out the top usability testing methods that are used while preparing web and mobile usability test.
Here are some of the popularly used usability testing methods –

1.Guerrilla Testing
2. Unmoderated Remote Usability Testing
3.Card Sorting
4.Lab Usability Testing
5.Contextual Inquiry
6.Session Recording

Let’s Explore One By One…

  • Guerrilla Testing

Guerrilla testing is one of the most simple and cost-effective testing types. This testing method takes place in a public place where the participants are randomly selected. By asking them to take a quick usability test, the feedbacks of the real users are noted. For example, when you are developing a restaurant website, and it is in the early stage, you can perform guerrilla testing and get valuable feedback for improvement.

  • Unmoderated Remote Usability Testing

It is one of the popularly used UX testing methods. The testing takes place remotely, where participants in different places completed the tasks with the help of their own devices. When you want a large sample to validate your findings, unmoderated remote usability testing is the ideal option. For instance, this testing method can be employed to test a very new feature that you want to add to your website.

  • Card Sorting

During website usability testing, Card sorting is one of the commonly used usability testing methods for websites. It helps in prioritizing the features as well as the content of websites for easy navigation. In this method, the features are placed on the cards, and the participants are asked to organize them into groups and categories. For example, when you are developing an eCommerce website, card sorting can help you decide the structure so that your customers can find your products easily.

  • Lab Usability Testing

The lab usability testing is usually conducted in a controlled environment (laboratories) under the supervision of a moderator. This testing method can offer you detailed insights about how the interactivity of the users with your products and the issues faced. For instance, you can use this testing method to test a new software application and gain more qualitative data about it.

  • Contextual Inquiry

The method of contextual inquiry is more like an observation or interview. It provides information regarding the user experience of real users. The test includes asking questions to the participants about their product experience and then observing them as they work. For example, a contextual inquiry method can be used when you want to avail of first-hand information about an application.

  • Session Recording

In the session recording method, the real action of the users is recorded while they interact with your website. It helps you understand the features or content that attracts the user the most. For instance, you can use this testing method to make your website more interesting for the users.

Conclusion 

In this complete guide to usability testing, the main emphasis lays upon the principles and methods. To increase a postive user experience while working on usability testing it is very important to understand the basic principles and tools. The main objective is to have a quick and easy user testing experience. 

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