Usability Testing Tutorial: A Complete Getting Started Guide

In this complete guide to usability testing, you will learn about the definition, purpose, methods, examples, process, and tools involved in this crucial testing process:

When testing a software product, website, or service, it is essential to evaluate the quality of the deliverables. Usability testing, which falls under non-functional testing, helps measure the user-friendliness and effectiveness of the product.

Usability testing is a challenging aspect of the IT industry as it attempts to understand how users want their applications to be, which can often feel like mind-reading. Although it may seem like common sense, testing usability is actually a complex science.

This article will delve into the importance of usability testing, explore its various categories, provide insights into different tools and methods, and examine the different phases of usability testing and how to analyze the results.

Why Is Usability Testing Necessary

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We create websites, products, and services to provide solutions to users or customers. Usability testing helps us understand whether the created solution meets the user’s needs and requirements.

Even if a product has flawless functionality, it may not be user-friendly. If users struggle to use the product or find it unattractive, they will switch to other products or services that are easier to use. This can negatively impact a company’s business.

What Is Usability Testing

Usability testing is a type of non-functional software testing that assesses how easily users can understand and interact with a product. It focuses on understandability, learnability, operability, attractiveness, and compliance with user requirements and conditions.

This type of testing typically involves real-life users rather than the development team. The development team, being intimately involved in the creation process, may overlook usability issues that affect the user experience.

Usability testing is generally categorized into three main categories:

• Explorative
• Assessment
• Comparative

Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories:

#1) Explorative

Explorative usability testing is typically conducted in the early stages of the software testing process. By conducting usability testing early on, the project minimizes the risk of errors later on. This type of testing focuses on the design and concept aspects of the product or service.

#2) Assessment

Assessment usability testing involves evaluating the end-to-end execution of the test and analyzing the overall effectiveness and user satisfaction with the product.

#3) Comparative

Comparative usability testing involves comparing similar products or services based on factors such as design, advantages, disadvantages, and overall user experience. This type of testing helps select the product that offers the best user experience.

Usability Testing Methods

The most commonly used usability testing methods include:

#1) Hallway Testing

Hallway testing is a cost-effective and effective method that involves randomly selecting people to test a website or product. Unlike trained professionals, random individuals often provide more accurate feedback and results.

#2) Remote Usability Testing

Remote usability testing involves testing by people located in different regions or countries. This type of testing is done remotely, and users can report issues they encounter. Remote testing may involve video conferencing to remotely observe and gather feedback from users.

#3) Expert Review

Expert review involves having an expert in the field test and provide feedback on the product or service. Typically, this type of testing is more expensive as it requires hiring a technology expert. However, expert reviews are quick and reliable due to the experience and expertise of the reviewer.

#4) Paper Prototype Testing

Paper prototype testing is a traditional approach that involves creating hand-drawn sketches and models to simulate the execution process. This type of testing helps identify primary issues and gain clarity on the execution process.

#5) Automated Usability Testing

Automated usability testing involves writing automation scripts to execute test cases. Automation allows for less human intervention and increases the efficiency of the testing process. Automated usability testing is considered one of the most effective methods as it minimizes the chances of missing any issues.

Usability Test Tools

Various tools are available to facilitate usability testing:

Category #1) These tools help create tasks/tests for users to perform and provide feedback. Examples include tools that facilitate screen sharing and remote user interaction.

Category #2) These tools allow users to submit their designs for testing and provide a video of user interactions along with comments. Users can analyze and draw conclusions based on these videos.

Category #3) These tools employ eye-tracking and heatmap methods to understand where users spend the most time on a page. Some tools also record user clicks, scrolls, and mouse movements.

Category #4) These tools provide feedback based on the website, page, or wireframe submitted. Some tools also offer surveys to gather additional feedback on usability issues.

Category #5) These tools specialize in recruiting users for usability testing.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Usability Testing:

• By conducting usability testing, you can identify flaws and improve the product before its launch, thereby enhancing its quality.
• Usability testing helps resolve internal debates and leads to a better understanding of user experience.
• The development team often overlooks minor defects related to user experience, which can be discovered through usability testing.
• Direct feedback from users helps businesses improve their products based on the target audience’s requirements.

Disadvantages of Usability Testing:

• Usability testing can be expensive due to the recruitment and management of resources.

Different Participants or Elements

The number of participants in usability testing depends on the project’s complexity and budget. Complex projects with critical features require more participants, while mid-level complexity projects can involve a smaller team.

Typically, a usability test involves a researcher or facilitator, participants, and tasks to be performed.

The roles and responsibilities of the different elements are as follows:

• Researcher/Facilitator: The researcher or facilitator moderates the testing process, observes the participants, and records their feedback.
• Participants: Participants perform the assigned tasks and provide input on their experience.
• Tasks: Tasks represent the scenarios users are expected to perform during testing.

Instructions are provided to participants through task sheets, verbal communication, or video conferencing in remote testing. Facilitators can ask questions to ensure the participants stay on track.

Different Phases Of Usability Testing

The usability testing process includes the following phases:

#1) Planning: In this phase, the project’s objectives are defined, requirements are gathered, and a plan is created.

#2) Recruiting: Participants and facilitators are recruited based on the project’s complexity and budget.

#3) Execution: Participants perform usability testing tasks assigned to them.

#4) Data Analysis: Feedback from usability testing is analyzed, categorized, and patterns are identified.

#5) Reporting: Usability testing results and findings are shared with stakeholders, and discussions on areas for improvement take place.

Factors To Consider While UX Testing

To ensure effective UX testing, consider the following factors:

1. Start usability testing as early as possible to prevent risks, save time, and stay within budget.
2. Select a team of users that represents the target audience.
3. Understand the target audience’s needs, preferences, and purpose of using the product.
4. Acknowledge possible future features and ways of using the product.
5. Collaborate with the development team to address improvement areas.
6. Consider performance and response time during testing.

Usability Testing Examples

In the following examples, we will explore usability testing scenarios for a travel website and an online transportation application:

Example 1: Usability Testing Of A Travel Website

Let’s consider usability testing scenarios for a travel website:

#1) Booking a flight

Users should be able to easily navigate through the website to select and book one-way or round-trip flights. Offering the option to select multiple cities can enhance the user experience.

#2) Booking hotels

Providing users with a seamless booking experience for accommodations can attract more users to the website. Offering a variety of hotel options and the ability to book both flight and hotel in one place can simplify the process and improve user satisfaction.

#3) Renting vehicles

Enabling users to rent cars or other vehicles directly from the travel website can enhance the user experience. Displaying information about the available options and the ability to add vehicles to their travel itinerary can make the website more appealing to users.

#4) Flight tracking

Users should be able to track their flights and view the status of their departure and arrival. Providing search options based on airlines, time, and destination can further improve the user experience.

#5) Places to visit

Offering information about popular attractions and things to do in travel destinations can enhance the user experience. This feature can encourage users to explore local places and make their travel plans more exciting.

#6) Managing past bookings

Enabling users to access and manage their past bookings can provide convenience and improve user satisfaction. This feature can be useful for submitting receipts for reimbursement or rebooking similar travel plans.

#7) Customer service

Providing accessible customer service options such as call, email, or chat can enhance user satisfaction and help address any issues or inquiries they may have.

Example 2: Getting Transportation Online Using Uber

Let’s consider usability testing scenarios for an online transportation application like Uber:

#1) Booking a ride

Users should be able to easily book rides without any complications, ensuring a smooth user experience.

#2) Types of rides

Users should have access to different types of rides available and their respective options, such as micro, mini, prime, etc. Displaying available seats for each ride type can provide users with necessary information to make a choice.

#3) Estimated time of arrival

The application should provide an estimated time of arrival for rides to allow users to plan their schedules accordingly.

#4) Estimated cost

Displaying estimated costs for different ride options can help users make informed decisions based on their budgets.

#5) Ride later option

Providing the ability to pre-book rides for specific dates and times can offer users flexibility and convenience.

#6) Share ride option

Allowing users to easily share ride details with friends can enhance the user experience, especially when coordinating group travel plans.

#7) Adding different payment options

Enabling users to choose from various payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, UPI, wallets, or cash, can accommodate different user preferences and enhance convenience.

#8) Customer support

Providing accessible customer support options such as call, email, or chat can help users address any issues or concerns they may have.

What Happens After Usability Testing

After usability testing is completed, the results are compiled and used to identify areas for improvement. The feedback and conclusions are discussed with the development team to determine necessary changes and their feasibility.

The impact of the enhancements depends on the target audience, purpose of the application, and user requirements. After considering these factors, management decides which features to implement and their business impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) What is usability testing in software testing?

Answer: Usability testing is a type of non-functional software testing that assesses the user-friendliness and effectiveness of a product by evaluating user interactions.

Q #2) How is usability testing done?

Answer: Usability testing involves recruiting participants to perform specific tasks on the product. The facilitator/moderator observes their interactions and records their feedback.

Q #3) What is the purpose of usability testing?

Answer: The purpose of usability testing is to improve the user experience of a product by identifying areas for improvement and validating that the product meets user requirements.

Q #4) What are the three main principles of usability testing?

Answer: Usability testing involves product development, studying real users, and continuously improving the product based on user experience.

Q #5) What are usability features?

Answer: Usability features encompass characteristics such as effectiveness, efficiency, engagement, error tolerance, and ease of learning.

More About Usability Testing

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Usability testing is crucial for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction of a software product, application, or website.

Usability testing should ideally begin during the design stage to prevent any usability issues from entering the development and implementation stages. However, usability testing should also be conducted throughout the software development life cycle to catch and address any issues at every