Usability Testing
User Experience Testing also known as UX Testing or Usability Testing or User Testing is the process of identifying end users usage pattern. In this process we will evaluate a product on its end users.
Usability can be measure by 5 quality components namely Learnability, efficiency, errors, memorability and satisfaction.
LEARNABILITY: The ease of users to complete a task when they initially use a tool/Website.
EFFICIENCY: How quickly users can complete tasks.
ERRORS: How many errors users make, severity and recovery.
MEMORABILITY: How quickly users regain proficiency after a period of non -use.
SATISFACTION : How enjoyable it is for users to use.
Usability Testing is normally performed during System Testing and Acceptance Testing levels and it is a black box testing technique. Traditional User testing means watching how a test participant will perform the task given to them. We have to watch and listen how they perform without interrupting their work. Now a days instead of doing this manually there is lot of tools available in the market. Some of the user testing tools are TryMyUI, Userlytics, UserZoom, Crazy Egg etc.
Gathering information about an object or its usage is just a market research and it should not be confused as usability testing. Usability testing is systematic observation under controlled conditions to determine how well people can use the product. However, often both qualitative and usability testing are used in combination, to better understand users’ motivations/perceptions, in addition to their actions. It sounds simple. And it is. But it is an extremely effective way of helping you understand what you can do to improve your user experience and increase sales, build brand loyalty and grow the number of customers coming to your website.
Usability Testing is important because if a website is difficult to use the end users will leave it and most probably will never come back. In that case it means a business lose. In order to create User friendly websites usability testing plays important role.
How to conduct the Test
The first step for usability testing is preparation. Preparation includes identifying the correct audience and to create the atmosphere for the test. For each site and for software it will be targeted for a particular audience. In order to run the test successfully we have to identify the audience correctly. Second Step is to send Invitation. Invite your friends and family to test the site for you. Participants of the test should not be familiar with your website. Third Step is to observe and note down the participant’s reaction. As an observer you should not tell the participants how to respond. They might be thinking in a different angle and since they are not familiar with the site you might be frustrated with the reaction. But no need to react by this way you can analyse how the end users will use the application.
Final Step is to conduct the test. By conducting the test you have to note down the findings of your participant. Also you can ask them to fill the questionnaire for you.
In conclusion, to conduct a successful usability testing one have to think from the end user perspective. And the success of usability testing depends on finding the correct audience for testing.