Usability testing is a technique that is used as part of UX design, to see how potential users interact with a website. This technique has been used since the beginning of the formation of IT systems. However, how a designer used to go about usability testing is not the same as designers do today. Today, conducting usability testing is a bit more involving and here is how you go about it.
Who Conducts the Test
Before the tests begin, you need to decide who will be in charge of the entire process. It may be one of your staff or a third party outside the company’s walls to do the tests. You can also decide to have more than one type of test so that one staff can handle tests within the company as a third party handles trials outside the company. Using an old testing method such as focus group participants, both a staff and a third party can be involved to balance out the findings.
Who are the Test Users
Users testing recruitment is another thing to consider. Not everyone is suitable to be a part of the test. Some prospect users might have no interest in the website; hence their inputs are not of any importance. This is why it is essential to choose the appropriate user testing participants. As you do the users testing recruitment, make sure that the users you choose are very close to the clients you expect to attract to your website. You can either look for organic users or PPC through SEO advertising.
Testing Among Staff Members
As much as you want prospective users to have a good experience on your site, your staff to need to not only know how to navigate through the website but also have an easy time in doing so. It will not paint a good picture if staff members are finding it hard to assist clients just because the site is too complicated for them. The first-hand experience for the staff is a good marketing strategy as well.
Evaluations
Once you have undertaken the usability testing, having data that is both quality and right quantity will be of great importance. These are the two sides of your website that will show how ready the site is to be launched in the market. With the quantity, you will learn about your target audience and their behaviour while quality will let you know why the people who were part of the test behaved the way they did. The two will help you see where the issues are and how to solve them.
Importance of Usability Testing
Most people do not understand why usability testing is important. Some argue that one can just launch the website in the market and make changes as time goes by. However, doing some corrections after a while might be too late for the brand. This is one of the reasons why designers should do a usability test before the site is out to the public.
The tests will help you bridge the gap between the business’s goals and the real world. It will also help you evaluate a product and make sure that it is as perfect as it can get before it is launched into the market. During the test, you can be able to understand your user’s expectations as well.
Conclusion
Conducting usability testing can happen more than once during the UX design process. Getting the right participants during these tests should never be compromised. Otherwise, your feedback will be as good as not having any. A successful usability test will consequently mean a useful site.
Featured Photo © Mimi Thian on Unsplash
About The Author:
Caroline Bird is a creative writer and digital marketer. She loves sharing her perspective, tips and how-tos related to home improvement, productivity, business, technology, and SEO through her writing. Connect with Caroline via @bCarolinebird12
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