Companies looking to develop a great experience for their users should adopt usability testing. The main purpose of conducting usability testing is to create a product based on users’ perspectives. Numerous techniques and methods are available to support UX teams in their journey. These testing methods validate particular design decisions and product hypotheses.
Usability testing methods range from lab-based controlled methods to recently developed techniques in natural settings. In this article, you will find top usability testing methods to help you create a successful product.
1. Guerilla testing
Guerilla testing is a straightforward usability testing process. This technique involves visits to public places such as restaurants and coffee shops. During the visit, the UX team introduces their prototype to end-users to generate feedback from the audience. Teams randomly select test participants and ask them to take tests. In exchange for feedback, UX teams offer gifts such as a free coffee. This technique is a cost-effective yet simple process to generate feedback from real users.
2. Lab usability testing
You must conduct lab usability testing in a unique environment. Plus, you need to recruit a moderator in your team who will supervise the test. A moderator will analyze the participants while they take the test. They obtain feedback and generate insights for the UX team. A moderator chooses the questions and tasks for the usability test.
3. Unmoderated remote usability testing
This testing method doesn’t require a moderator. This is an inexpensive, robust, and quick usability testing type. After generating testing results, you can use the data for continued analysis. During the testing procedure, the UX team asks participants to take the test in a remote environment. Because there is no moderator involved in this testing process, the results aren’t detailed. However, unmoderated remote usability testing is cost-effective.
4. Contextual inquiry
Contextual inquiry is more like an interview than usability testing. In this testing procedure, the moderator hires actual users as participants and asks them various questions. The moderator asks several relevant questions and understands their experience, preferences, and attitude. Then, the moderator analyses the answers to the questions to generate insights.
5. Card sorting
Card sorting usability testing is a straightforward technique to prioritize features and content of the user interface. The testing process includes different cards with various concepts. The participators have to organize the cards into categories and groups. When the candidates sort the cards, the moderator will ask them series of questions about their arrangement.
6. Session recording
In session recording, a moderator records and analyzes the user by recording their actions. While taking the test, the participators will be in front of the camera. Moderators analyze the audience’s behavior and understand what tasks and features are helpful and interesting. Also, this testing procedure helps moderators understand the interaction problems that users face while taking the test.
Conclusion
Many UX teams find it difficult to choose the best usability testing method among numerous options. If you face the same issue, you can consider the list above and streamline your testing process. These user testing methods are flexible and inexpensive. Furthermore, they offer massive data to improve your UX design and enhance the user experience.