7 Usability Testing Methods
Usability testing is the practice of testing an application or website that has been designed to users to see if users can use it easily and have a good experience when using the application or website. In usability testing, there are several methods that can be used. These methods include:
1. Guerilla testing !!
Guerilla Testing is the easiest method to do because it can be done by going to public places to interview people about the prototype we have made. We can use Guerilla Testing in the early stages of our product development process. By using this method we can get personal opinions and emotional impressions about the ideas and concepts that have been made. However, please note that this method is usability testing whose participants do not have to represent the target users, so this method is not recommended for applications or websites that require special skills. In addition, due to the limited time when conducting usability testing with this method, it is important that we choose the most important scenarios to test.
2. Lab usability testing
This Lab Usability Testing method is carried out in a special environment such as in a laboratory and will be supervised by a moderator. This method is suitable for use to find out detailed information about how users will actually interact with the application or website that we have created and what problems they will face. This way, we can find out the reason behind the user’s behavior. In carrying out this method, of course, we will need the right moderator. Therefore, it is important to know that the right moderator is a moderator who is always ready to help participants understand the purpose of this test and keep participants on track, the moderator must also be able to read the body language of the user, and can contact the participant after the test to conduct an interview asking some important questions.
3. Unmoderated remote usability testing
This method is conducted remotely and without a moderator. This is done by asking the participants of the usability testing to complete the given task in their own place using their own devices without any moderator helping, causing the application or website to be used naturally. This method will be suitable for use when we have a hypothesis that needs to be validated with a large number of samples. This method is not recommended if used for the first or main usability testing method.
4. Contextual inquiry
This method is done like conducting interviews or observations to get information about user experience from real users. Contextual Inquiry is suitable for getting detailed information about users and for testing user satisfaction with the application or website that has been created. It is important for researchers not to give their opinions during this test so that we can see the interaction of the participants in real time. It is also important to take notes during the test so that a detailed test report can be produced.
5. Phone interview
Phone Interview is a remote method where the moderator verbally instructs participants to complete tasks on their devices. This method is the best way to get feedback from participants who are scattered in various regions and even other countries. It should also be noted that to conduct this method, a trained moderator with good communication skills is required.
6. Card sorting
Card Sorting is a method used to prioritize content and features in the user interface. To do this method, we only need to write down the concepts we have on cards and allow the participants of the usability testing to put the cards into groups and categories. After that, the moderator will ask them to explain why they put them into those groups and categories. This method would be perfect to implement if we want to optimize the information architecture of our app or website before making it into a lo-fi mockup. With this method, we will certainly get feedback on the navigation structure. It is important to note that this method will help to form a hypothesis on how to organize our content. However, we should also validate with real users because sometimes changes that are supposed to improve the navigation experience produce very different results.
7. Session recording
Session Recording is a method of recording actions performed with real users when they interact with an application or website. By doing this method, we can look at the recorded data and understand what content or features are most interesting and what problems are faced by users. This method will be suitable to help understand the main problems faced by users when interacting with the application or website that we have designed. Also keep in mind, by analyzing the results of the recordings, we will form hypotheses about the problems faced by users, but often other tests are needed to understand why they are facing these problems.
