Usability Testing - UX Part 4

#ux #technicalwriting #technicalwriter

In the previous blog of the UX series, we had discussedThe Heuristic Evaluation and 10 Heuristics for the UX. Today we will dive deeper into usability testing.

Let's get started:

Introduction

Usability Testing is a process of testing a product designed with representative users. The goal here is to identify usability-related problems, collect data, and rate the satisfaction of a user after using the product. Generally, while running a usability test, a test plan is drafted, representative users are chosen, and the findings are analyzed. Usability testing does not require a formal lab and can be conducted remotely.

Advantages of usability testing

One of the main advantages of conducting usability testing is the identification of problems by the design team prior to coding. The early identification of problems, the less expensive the fixes will be. During usability testing, we will know whether participants are able to complete the task, the time taken to complete the task, level of satisfaction, changes required to improve user performance, and analyze whether user objectives are met.

Furthermore, the cost of usability testing depends on the number of days required to complete the testing, the number of participants, and the types of tests that will be performed.

Aspects to be considered while performing usability testing

Time is the major aspect while performing usability testing. Generally, a usability specialist plans time for running the test, analyzing the findings, drafting a report, and presenting the findings to the development teams.

The cost of recruiting is decided based on the requirement. Either participant is hired from the same company within their office hours or by recruiting agencies.

Rental Cost is planned when you secure a room for testing such as; Meeting room or Conference room. Furthermore, if you do not have any equipment to record the evaluation or monitor such as; camera, sound recorder, and projector then it will be added under rental cost.

Compensation for participants are planned for travel or time factor only.

Finally, usability testing is an iterative process. Usability specialists should have a clear idea of why testing is conducted in the first place and implement the changes.

In the upcoming blog, we will dive deeper into How usability testing is planned.