Techniques and Methods of Usability Testing
There are various types of usability testing that when performed lead to efficient software. But few of them which are the most widely used have been discussed here.
1. Guerilla Testing
It is a type of testing where testers wander to public places and ask random users about the prototype. Also, a thank gift is offered to the users as a gesture of token. It is the best way to perform usability testing during the early phases of the product development process. Users mostly spare 5–10 minutes and give instant feedback on the product. Also, the cost is comparatively low as you don’t need to hire participants. It is also known as corridor or hallway testing.
2. Usability Lab
Usability lab testing is conducted in a lab environment where moderators (who ask for feedback on the product) hire participants and ask them to take a survey on the product. This test is performed on a tablet/desktop. The participant count can be 8-10 which is a bit costlier than guerrilla testing as you need to hire participants, arrange a place, and conduct testing.
3. Screen or Video Recording
Screen or video recording kind of testing is in which a screen is recorded as per the user’s action (navigation and usage of the product). This testing describes how the user’s mind runs while using a product. This kind of testing involves the participation of almost 10 users for 15 minutes. It helps in describing the issues users may face while interacting with the product.
Generally, there are two studies in usability testing –
- Moderated – the Moderator guides the participant for the changes required in the product (software)
- Unmoderated – There’s no moderator (no human guidance), participants gets a set of questions on which he/she has to work.
While performing usability testing, all kinds of biases (be it friendly bias, social bias, etc.) by the participants are avoided to have honest feedback on the product so as to improve its durability.
Usability Testing – Software Engineering
You design a product (say a refrigerator) and when it becomes completely ready, you need a potential customer to test it to check it working. To understand whether the machine is ready to come on the market, potential customers test the machines. Likewise, the best example of usability testing is when the software also undergoes various testing processes which is performed by potential users before launching into the market. It is a part of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
Table of Content
- What is Usability Testing?
- Phases of Usability Testing:
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Usability Testing
- Why we Used Usability Testing?
- Factors Affecting Cost of Usability Testing
- Techniques and Methods of Usability Testing
- Conclusion
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