Usability Testing | Do’s and Dont’s
Usability Testing: Don't Make These Mistakes
Usability testing is one of the most critical pillars of the User Experience (UX) process. It serves as the litmus test for design, offering invaluable insights into how users interact with a product or service. The ultimate goal of any product or service is to be a resounding success, and usability testing is the compass that guides us towards achieving this vision. By understanding how real users engage with our creations, we can identify pain points, refine interactions, and ultimately deliver exceptional user experiences.
Let's explore what should and shouldn't be done during these crucial sessions.
Do's of Usability Testing
Planning and Preparation
Define clear objectives: Instead of a vague goal like "improve the website," specify, "Determine the average time it takes users to complete a purchase and identify the most common points of confusion during checkout."
Recruit representative participants: If testing a new recipe app, recruit participants who are both experienced and novice cooks to get a broader perspective.
Develop a detailed test script: Outline tasks like "Add an item to the cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase." Include specific questions to probe deeper, such as "Can you describe your thought process as you searched for the item?"
Prepare the testing environment: Set up a quiet room with necessary equipment (computer, prototype, recording devices) and ensure participants are comfortable.
Test Execution
Build rapport: Begin with a friendly introduction, explaining the purpose of the test and reassuring participants that their feedback is valuable.
Observe silently: Watch as participants navigate the interface, taking mental notes of their actions, hesitations, and expressions.
Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking "Was this easy to find?", ask "Can you describe your experience finding the item?"
Take detailed notes: Record specific actions like "Clicked on the 'cart' icon, then hovered over the 'checkout' button for 5 seconds."
Use video recording (with permission): Capture visual and audio data for later analysis, but always obtain explicit consent from participants.
Analysis and Reporting
Identify patterns and trends: If multiple participants struggle with the same task, it indicates a potential usability issue.
Prioritize findings: Focus on issues that impact a large number of users or prevent task completion.
Create actionable recommendations: Suggest specific design changes like "Increase the font size of the checkout button" or "Reposition the search bar for better visibility."
Share insights with the team: Present findings in a clear and concise manner, using visuals like screenshots and diagrams to illustrate problems and solutions.
before we continue…..
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back to where we stopped…..
Don'ts of Usability Testing
Planning and Preparation
Don't rely solely on assumptions: Avoid making decisions based on personal opinions without concrete user data. For example, don't assume that a larger button will automatically improve clickability.
Don't recruit too few or too many participants: A small sample size might miss critical issues, while a large sample can be time-consuming and costly. Aim for a balance based on your project's scope.
Don't create a rigid test script: Be prepared to adapt the script based on participant feedback and unexpected behaviors.
Test Execution
Don't lead participants: Avoid suggesting solutions or influencing their actions. For example, don't say "Maybe you should try clicking here."
Don't interrupt participants excessively: Allow them to explore the interface without constant guidance. However, be ready to intervene if they are completely stuck.
Don't focus solely on verbal feedback: Observe body language and facial expressions for clues about user frustration or confusion.
Don't make promises to participants: Avoid offering incentives that might bias their behavior.
Analysis and Reporting
Don't generalize from a small sample: Recognize that the results are based on a limited group of participants.
Don't ignore qualitative data: Consider both numerical data (e.g., task completion times) and user feedback (e.g., quotes and comments).
Don't delay sharing results: Provide timely feedback to the design team to facilitate iterative improvements.
By following these guidelines and incorporating specific examples, you can conduct more effective usability tests that lead to better user experiences.
Best,
The RB Team