The user’s perspective should be taken into consideration to assess the worth of a product or application from a user’s standpoint. Usability testing provides a strategic testing platform for users to test the product in a real-time environment and thus provide valuable feedback on the functionality, usability and user experience of a product. User feedback gives a succinct idea about the product, which in turn will help the testing and development team to further improve the quality of the product. In this article, you will get to know the worth of conducting usability testing.
What
is Usability testing?
It is a testing method where real users
will test the product in a real-time environment and ascertain its worth in
terms of usability and user experience (UX). Usability and UX are two of the
key components that are tested and analyzed in this testing process. The
functionality aspect is also determined by the users and then feedback is
provided. Based on the feedback, the team can make the necessary improvements
and thus improve the quality of a product.
Following
are the four methods that justify as to why usability testing is a must to ship
better features:
1.
The strategic use of contextual inquiry: This method is considered to be less
task-oriented and takes place in the participant’s own environment. A
researcher is involved to interview the participant and then observe as they
work on the product. When the participant is interviewed during the test,
insightful information can be obtained by the researchers that might otherwise
have been forgotten in a post-session report.
The
researcher can learn crucial details using this method such as:
·
The equipment and devices that a participant uses
·
How and where should the workspace be set up
·
Figuring out the time taken for product
functionality
·
The technical or environmental issues they might
run into.
2.
Streamlining and scaling up video and screen recording activities: The
participant’s on-screen actions are reviewed by this approach, such as how
quickly they click or navigate. The participant’s screen can be projected onto
another monitor or device for live assessment. Upon that, the participant’s
video or audio responses can be recorded for the purpose of reviewing and
getting more insights about the product from a participant’s perspective.
3.
The worth of guerrilla testing: It is a better alternative, low-cost
testing method through which some helpful usability insights can be revealed.
This testing method does not need any fixed environment and hence is conducted
at shopping centers, events etc., rather than focusing on gathering a pool of
participants.
Through the medium of guerrilla testing,
minimally or randomly vetted individuals are approached by UX researchers for
getting mini evaluations of a product. Guerrilla testing is really easy to
perform as it generally requires a screen reading software, a note-taker, a
test facilitator and a device for testing Metrics like customer satisfaction
and conversion rates are significantly improved.
4.
The tactical importance of usability lab: In this testing method, the conduction of
usability studies takes place in a controlled lab environment, so that the
required feedback can be gathered by the organization. In this kind of setup,
all the variables and devices are carefully maintained by the organization to
enable a stable environment.
A number of recording devices are typically
included in a usability lab environment and a platform is also provided to
seamlessly communicate with the participants. Usability labs may also include
comfortable furniture, lighting controls and other specific amenities for
participants.
Conclusion: If you are looking forward to
implementing usability testing for your specific project, then do get connected
with a certified software testing services company that will provide you with
structured testing solutions that are in line with your project specific
requirements.
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