What is Usability Testing: Guide, Definition & How-Tos

In this day and age, where user experience (UX) can make or break a product, whether it's a mobile, web, or desktop app, understanding and improving a product's usability has never been more important. Usability testing is a bridge between effective software development and users' expectations, ensuring that websites, apps, and software products are not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable to use. This practice involves observing real users as they interact with a product, identifying areas of confusion and barriers to use, and gathering valuable insights to drive informed design decisions.

By investing in usability testing, companies can significantly enhance user satisfaction, reduce development costs, and gain a competitive edge. This comprehensive guide delves into the definition, importance, and methods of usability testing, offering practical advice on when and how to conduct these tests to achieve optimal results. Whether you are a CTO, software engineer, or UX professional, understanding usability testing will empower you to create products that truly resonate with users, fostering a positive and engaging experience that drives success in a competitive market.

Jump to:

Understanding usability testing

The importance of usability testing

Comparing usability testing, UX testing, and user testing

Different methods of usability testing

What methods are not usability testing

When to conduct usability testing

A guide to conducting usability testing

Example of usability testing—Exploring podcast discovery on XX music platform

Final thoughts

Understanding usability testing

Usability testing is a part of software development that falls under the umbrella of non-functional testing. It is a type of software testing used to evaluate how easily and effectively users can interact with a software product, be it a website, app, or tool. It involves observing real users as they complete tasks on the product to identify any issues, areas of confusion, or barriers to use. The goal of usability testing is to improve the product’s design and functionality, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of its users.

Usability testing involves recruiting a small group of representative users who belong to the target audience. These users are then tasked with completing specific actions or scenarios within the software while researchers observe their behavior. Researchers look for any signs of confusion, frustration, or difficulty users encounter while navigating the software.

The importance of usability testing

Usability testing is important because it helps ensure that a product is user-friendly, efficient, and satisfying to use. In such cases, it’s a good idea for teams to consider shift-left testing as a way to streamline development. By identifying and addressing usability issues early in the development process, usability testing can lead to:

Improved user experience. By understanding how real users interact with the product, developers can make informed design decisions that enhance the overall user experience. Imagine using an app where you can't find the settings button or constantly get error messages. Frustrating, right? Usability testing helps prevent these scenarios.

Higher user satisfaction. While guaranteeing complete user satisfaction might be elusive, usability testing gets you remarkably close. By ensuring the product is intuitive and aligns with user expectations, usability testing fosters a positive user experience. This translates to a demonstrably higher adoption rate, positive word-of-mouth promotion, and a loyal user base who are more likely to recommend your product to others.

Reduced development costs. Usability testing is a proactive approach that yields significant cost savings in the long run. Imagine the wasted resources poured into developing a core feature that users later find confusing. Usability testing helps identify these issues early in the development cycle when they are easier and cheaper to fix. It's a preventative measure that minimizes the need for expensive redesigns or extensive post-launch customer support.

Greater competitive advantage. When it comes to differentiating your product and standing out from competitors, usability can be the tipping point between success and failure. Usability testing enables you to differentiate your product by prioritizing user experience over simply adding extra features. An application that is not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable to use, will naturally attract a wider user base and gain a significant competitive edge.

Informed design decisions. Usability testing is more than just problem identification, it's about gathering valuable user data. By observing user behavior, you gain concrete insights into user needs, preferences, and interaction patterns with the product. This data becomes the cornerstone of informed design decisions, ensuring your software continues to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of your target audience. It's like having a user behavior roadmap, guiding you towards a product that users will not only find useful but also truly appreciate.

Increased sales and conversions. If your software is difficult or confusing to use, potential customers might abandon ship before making a purchase. Usability testing helps create a smooth user journey that encourages conversions and boosts sales.

Comparing usability testing, UX testing, and user testing

All three types of testing—usability testing, UX testing, and user testing—are related to understanding how users interact with a product, however, there are subtle differences between them:

User testing (broadest term) is the umbrella term that encompasses any kind of testing that involves real people interacting with a product or service. User testing can be used at various stages of development, from initial concept validation to testing the final product. It can involve various methods like interviews, surveys, A/B testing, and more.

Usability testing (focuses on functionality) is a specific type of user testing that measures how easy and efficient it is for users to complete specific tasks within a product. It's all about assessing how learnable, memorable, and error-free the user experience is. Usability testing typically involves observing users as they interact with the product and identifying any pain points or areas for improvement.

UX testing (considers all user experience aspects) is another type of user testing but has a broader scope than usability testing. While usability testing focuses on the functional aspects, UX testing takes a more holistic approach, considering all aspects of the user experience. This includes usability but also factors like user satisfaction, emotional response, and overall brand perception. UX testing might involve methods like user interviews, card sorting, and eye-tracking studies.

You might be interested in: Usability, UX & Accessibility Testing: Key Differences.

Let's look at things from a different angle, a restaurant, specifically. User testing could involve asking people if they can easily find the restroom (similar to usability testing—a specific task). Usability testing would also include the ease of using the menu and ordering food. UX testing, on the other hand, would involve the entire dining experience, including the ambiance, service, food quality, and overall feeling.

	Usability testing	UX testing	User testing
Focus	Evaluates how easily users can accomplish tasks with a product.	Looks at the overall experience of using a product, including emotional responses and long-term engagement.	A broad term that encompasses any testing involving users and the product.
Purpose	Identifies usability issues and assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of the product.	Ensures the product provides a positive, engaging, and valuable experience to users.	Collects general feedback and insights from real users.
Used methods	Tasks are assigned to users, and their interactions are observed to determine any obstacles or issues they encounter.	It combines usability testing with other methods, such as surveys, interviews, user journey mapping, and analytics, to get a holistic view of the user experience.	Can involve a wide variety of testing methods, like usability testing, beta testing, A/B testing, surveys, interviews, and UX testing.
Key questions	1. Can users complete tasks effectively and efficiently? 2. Are there obstacles or difficulties in using the product? 3. Are users satisfied with the process of using the product?	1. How do users feel about the product? 2. Does the product meet users’ needs and expectations? 3. What is the overall impression of the product? 4. How does the product fit into the user’s life and daily activities?	1. How do users interact with the product? 2. What are users’ opinions and feedback about the product? 3. What issues do users encounter?

Different methods of usability testing

Effective usability testing requires a multifaceted approach, employing various methodologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of user experience. Here, we'll explore the key distinctions between qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, alongside the benefits and considerations for remote and in-person testing scenarios.

1. Qualitative testing (qual) data

This methodology prioritizes gathering subjective data, focusing on users' experiences and emotions as they interact with the system. The objective is to gain insights into why specific design elements succeed or fail. Common techniques include:

• Moderated testing. A facilitator guides users through tasks while observing and asking open-ended questions to elicit user thoughts and feelings.
• Unmoderated testing. Users complete tasks independently, often with screen recording software capturing their interactions.
• Card sorting. Users group features or functionalities based on their own logic, revealing how they categorize information.
• In-depth interviews. Focused conversations delve into user needs, expectations, and pain points.

2. Quantitative testing (quant) data

This methodology emphasizes collecting measurable data through standardized tasks or surveys. The goal is to quantify how well the system performs. Common techniques include:

• Eye tracking. Tracks users' eye movements to understand where their attention goes on the interface.
• User satisfaction surveys. Questionnaires gather data on user demographics, preferences, and satisfaction levels.
• Task completion time. Measures the time it takes users to complete specific tasks within the system.

Feature	Qualitative Testing	Quantitative Testing
Focus	User experience, emotions, and behaviors	Measurable data and user performance
Goal	Understand why users succeed or fail with the design	Quantify how well the design performs
Data Type	Subjective (opinions, feelings)	Objective (numbers, metrics)
Common Techniques	Moderated, unmoderated testing, card sorting, in-depth interviews	Eye tracking, A/B testing, user satisfaction surveys, task completion time
Strengths	Rich insights into user experience, identification of usability issues	Provides clear data for design comparison and measurement
Weaknesses	Can be resource-intensive, and results can be influenced by moderators or interviewers	Limited to quantifiable aspects of user behavior, may not reveal underlying reasons
Best suited for	Early-stage design exploration, understanding user needs, uncovering usability problems	Measuring design effectiveness, comparing design options, optimizing specific functionalities

3. Remote testing or in-person testing

Remote usability testing is a method for evaluating user experience where participants interact with a digital product from their own location without needing to travel to a physical testing space, typically using their personal computers or mobile devices. This method offers convenience for both users and researchers, eliminating geographical limitations. On the other hand, in-person usability testing is a method for evaluating user experience. Participants travel to a dedicated testing location to interact with a digital product. This controlled environment allows researchers to observe users closely and gather detailed data about their interactions.

Feature	Remote Usability Testing	In-Person Usability Testing
Location	Users participate from their own locations	Users travel to a dedicated testing location
Environment	Users interact with the system in their natural environment	Controlled lab environment
Data Collection	Relies on screen recordings, audio commentary, and sometimes video conferencing	Facilitators observe users directly, collect verbal and non-verbal cues
Benefits	Convenient, cost-effective, wider user pool, potentially more realistic data	Controlled environment, detailed observation, real-time interaction, standardized setup
Considerations	Technical requirements, user engagement, data analysis	Cost, limited user pool, artificial environment
Best suited for	Early-stage testing, geographically dispersed users, budget constraints	Detailed research, observing user behavior, specific user groups

4. Different testing techniques

This section explores the most common usability testing techniques suitable for both in-person and remote settings. While some methods might be traditionally conducted in one way or another, the choice ultimately rests with the researcher. They can select the best approach based on project requirements and scope. The illustration below is a mere suggestion.

Phone/video interviews. These are interviews conducted remotely over the phone or through video conferencing tools. In usability testing, they can be used to gather initial user needs and preferences before diving into more hands-on testing methods.

Usability testing platforms. These are online platforms that facilitate the recruitment of participants, management of testing sessions, and analysis of user data. Some platforms may offer features like screen recording, surveys, and tools for conducting remote testing.

Session recordings. These are recordings of user interactions with a product or service. They capture the user's screen actions, audio (with permission), and sometimes even video of their facial expressions, which can be analyzed later to identify usability issues and user behavior patterns.

First-click testing. A usability testing method in which users are presented with a website or interface and asked to click on the first element they would use to complete a specific task. This helps identify how intuitive the design is and whether users can locate the desired functionalities easily. This method can be organized both remotely and in person.

Lab usability testing. This type of usability testing is conducted in a controlled environment, often a usability testing lab. This allows for more precise control over the testing environment and the use of specialized equipment like eye-tracking tools.

Contextual inquiry. A user research method in which researchers observe users in their natural environment, such as their homes or workplaces. The goal is to understand how users interact with a product or service within the context of their everyday lives.

Guerilla testing. This is a quick and informal usability testing method where researchers approach potential users in a public setting and ask them to complete short tasks on a product or service. While not as rigorous as other methods, guerilla testing can be a cost-effective way to gather early user feedback

Observation. These are usability testing methods that rely on observing user behavior without directly interacting with them. They can be either moderated or unmoderated. Observation methods can involve techniques like eye tracking, video recordings, or simply watching users interact with a product or service in a lab setting. Observation methods allow researchers to understand user behavior without potentially influencing their actions through questioning.

Eye tracking. A technique that uses specialized equipment to track a user's eye movements as they interact with a product or service. By analyzing where users look, usability experts can understand which elements attract attention, where users might be confused, and how efficiently they scan information. This method can be conducted remotely with eye movements tracked by specialized software or in person.

Card sorting. A method where participants categorize unlabeled cards featuring website features or functionalities. By observing how users group these cards, researchers can gain valuable insights into how users mentally organize information. This helps identify how users expect content to be structured and labeled, ultimately informing website architecture and navigation design for optimal user experience.

What methods are not usability testing

Usability testing forms the foundation for understanding how users interact with a website's functionalities. Although certain techniques are sometimes mistakenly labeled as usability testing methods, they are still valuable and should be used in combination with usability testing to generate more comprehensive results. These techniques are as follows:

A/B testing. This technique differs from usability testing in its focus. While usability testing observes user behavior with a single website iteration, A/B testing allows for controlled experimentation with different website variations. It's a powerful tool for optimizing conversion rates or other pre-defined goals by identifying which design elements resonate most with users.

Acceptance testing. This final quality assurance (QA) step plays a critical role in ensuring a website functions as intended. Users follow a predetermined script to validate core functionalities. While acceptance testing doesn't directly assess user-friendliness, it's an essential stage in the development process, guaranteeing a well-vetted product before launch.

Focus groups. Facilitated discussions with a small group of participants, focus groups offer valuable insights into initial user perceptions of a product or service. This qualitative data can reveal user expectations, concerns, and potential pain points. However, researchers must be mindful of potential bias, as dominant personalities within the group can influence the overall discussion.

Surveys. Following usability testing sessions, surveys can be a valuable tool for gathering broader user feedback and quantifying the overall user experience. By reaching a larger pool of users, surveys can help validate usability testing findings and identify any outlying experiences. Additionally, surveys can be used to gather user feedback on specific aspects of the website that might not have been covered in the usability testing sessions.

Heatmaps and scroll maps. These are visual representations that provide objective data on user behavior patterns on a website. Heatmaps depict areas of high user engagement (clicks, taps), while scroll maps reveal how far down the page users typically scroll. This data, although not strictly usability testing, helps inform design decisions by highlighting areas that might require adjustments to improve user navigation and engagement.

When to conduct usability testing

Usability testing is a powerful tool that helps ensure your designs are user-friendly and meet the needs of your target audience. But when exactly should you incorporate it into your design process? Here's a breakdown of key moments to leverage usability testing for maximum impact:

1. Before any design decisions are made

Don't wait until you have a concrete design in mind. Usability testing at this early stage helps uncover user pain points and behaviors. Imagine observing people struggling to find information on a competitor's website. This can expose underlying user needs that might not be readily apparent through interviews or surveys. By understanding these challenges upfront, you can inform your design decisions from the very beginning.

You might be interested in The Role of Quality Assurance in UX Design.

2. Testing low-fidelity designs

This might seem obvious, but usability testing is crucial for evaluating new design concepts. Develop low-fidelity prototypes—essentially rough sketches that focus on functionality over aesthetics. Testing these prototypes allows you to gather feedback on core functionalities before getting bogged down in design details. Think of it like testing a recipe with basic ingredients before adding complex flavors.

3. Testing existing digital product or service

Usability testing isn't just for new designs. If you're looking to improve an existing product or service, usability testing can reveal areas for improvement. Observing how users interact with your current offering can expose potential pain points and areas of confusion. This valuable user data can guide targeted improvements and optimizations.

4. Keeping up with the competition

Understanding how your competitors operate in terms of user experience is valuable. Usability testing allows you to compare your site to competitor offerings, identifying areas where you excel and where they might be surpassing you. This competitive analysis can inform your design decisions and help you create a product that stands out from the crowd.

5. Testing wireframes or prototypes

As your design takes shape, usability testing becomes even more crucial. Create clickable prototypes that provide a more realistic user experience. Here, the focus shifts to evaluating how effectively the design addresses the problem and its overall intuitiveness. Usability testing at this stage can reveal issues with navigation, task completion, and overall user satisfaction.

6. After launch to continuously improve the design

The design process doesn't end at launch. Great design is an ongoing journey. Usability testing after launch allows you to gather valuable user feedback and identify areas for continuous improvement. Think of it like tweaking a recipe based on user reviews—you can make subtle modifications to further enhance the user experience.

7. Resolving uncertainty: using usability testing in high-risk situations

Usability testing becomes a powerful tool when navigating design uncertainties. Is there a disagreement among team members? Does a client request seem out of place? Well-structured user research can provide valuable insights and guide informed decision-making. By testing different design approaches or functionalities, you can gather data to support your decisions and mitigate risks associated with unproven concepts.

A guide to conducting usability testing

This guide will equip you with the basic knowledge of how to conduct effective usability testing.

Step 1: Planning and preparation

Assign facilitator

A skilled facilitator guides the testing session, ensuring it runs smoothly and asking questions to understand user thought processes.

Assign researcher

A researcher oversees the testing process, analyzes data, and collaborates with the facilitator on recommendations. Researchers may also be involved in recruiting participants and developing the test plan.

Recruit participants

Target users who represent your ideal customer base. Consider demographics, behavior patterns, and technical expertise. Tools like user research platforms or freelance marketplaces can help you find suitable participants.

Step 2: Developing the test plan

Define your goals

What do you hope to achieve through usability testing? Identify specific areas you want to evaluate, such as task completion rates, user satisfaction, or overall navigation ease.

Create a test plan and choose the testing method

Write a test plan outlining the tasks participants will complete, the functionalities they'll interact with, and the questions you'll ask. Ensure the tasks are realistic and representative of how users would typically interact with your product. Select the above-mentioned method that aligns with your budget, resources, and testing goals.

Step 3: Conducting the test session

Create a welcoming environment and make sure the session is understandable

Put participants at ease and assure them their feedback is valuable. Explain the testing process and answer any questions they might have. For example, if conducting moderated testing, guide participants through the tasks while observing their behavior and asking open-ended questions to understand their thought processes and frustrations.

Direct users to perform tasks

The facilitator walks participants through the predefined tasks, observing their behavior and interactions with the product.

Observe and take notes

The facilitator and researcher carefully observe user behavior, noting any difficulties, areas of confusion, or moments of frustration. They use screen recording software, record audio (with participant consent), and take detailed notes on user actions, verbal feedback, and nonverbal cues (e.g., hesitation, expressions). 

Compile data and identify patterns

Analyze the captured data to identify recurring themes, usability issues, and areas where users struggled. Look for common challenges users face and group similar issues together. Analyze user feedback to gain insights into their thought processes and preferences. This will help prioritize areas for improvement.

Step 4: Recommendations and iteration

Develop recommendations

Based on your findings, propose design changes, content revisions, or navigation improvements to address user needs and enhance the overall user experience.

Create a report and share your findings

Document your findings, including test goals, participant demographics, usability issues identified, and recommended solutions. Visualize data using charts and graphs to enhance clarity. When you are ready, present your report to stakeholders, designers, and developers. Discuss the implications of the findings and collaborate on solutions to improve the user experience.

It's important to note that usability testing is an iterative process.  The initial findings can be used to refine the product or service, and then further usability testing can be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented changes. By continuously testing and iterating, you can ensure your product or service is not only functional but also user-friendly and caters to the needs of your target audience.

Additional pro tips:

Test throughout the design process. Integrate usability testing throughout the design process, from initial concept development to post-launch iterations. This allows you to catch problems early and ensure your design evolves with user needs in mind.

Combine qualitative and quantitative data. Use a combination of qualitative data (user observations, feedback) and quantitative data (task completion times, click-through rates) to paint a comprehensive picture of the user experience.

Prioritize user needs. Always prioritize user needs when analyzing results and making design decisions. Remember, a successful product is one that is user-friendly and caters to the needs of its target audience.

Example of usability testing—Exploring podcast discovery on XX music platform

Scenario

 A usability study is conducted to evaluate how users discover podcasts on XX music platform.

Target users

We recruited a group of 10-15 participants who regularly use XX to listen to music and podcasts. The ideal participants will have a mix of demographics and podcast listening habits.

Testing method

This study example will utilize a combination of moderated lab usability testing and a follow-up survey.

Tasks

Participants are asked to complete a series of tasks related to podcast discovery on XX, such as:

1. Find a podcast on a specific topic (e.g., true crime).
2. Browse and discover new podcasts they might be interested in.
3. Subscribe to a new podcast and explore its episodes.
4. Use the search functionality to find a particular podcast by name.

Observations

The facilitator observed user behavior while they completed the tasks, noting any difficulties, areas of confusion, or moments of frustration in a spreadsheet. The facilitator asked open-ended questions to understand user thought processes and preferences, for example:

1. When you're looking for a new podcast to listen to, what are some of the things you consider important?
2. How do you typically find new podcasts?
3. What are some of the challenges you face when trying to find new podcasts on Spotify?

Data capture

The session is screen recorded, and the facilitator takes notes on user behavior and verbal feedback.

Follow-up survey

After the usability testing session, participants complete a short survey to gather further insights on their podcast listening habits and preferences. The survey might ask questions about:

1. How often do they listen to podcasts on XX?
2. What are their preferred methods for discovering new podcasts?
3. What is their satisfaction with the current podcast discovery features?
4. Any suggestions for improvement?

Analysis and recommendations

After reviewing the screen recordings, facilitator notes, and survey results, researchers analyzed the data to identify common usability issues users encountered while discovering podcasts. For example, they found that the search function is not intuitive for podcast discovery.

The browse function might not effectively surface relevant podcasts based on user interests.

The podcast recommendations might not be personalized enough.

Developing solutions

Based on the identified issues, the research team develops recommendations for improvement, including:

1. Enhancing the search function with podcast-specific filters and functionalities.
2. Curating personalized podcast recommendations based on user listening history and interests.
3. Improving the visual design and layout of the podcast browsing interface.

Future iterations

The findings from this usability study inform design decisions for the XX music platform. By addressing the identified usability issues, XX creates a more user-friendly and intuitive podcast discovery experience, potentially leading to increased user engagement and satisfaction. Future usability testing is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented changes and identify any further areas for improvement.

Final thoughts

As we have explored in this guide, the methods and timing of usability testing are varied and tailored to different project needs. Whether through remote or in-person testing, qualitative or quantitative methods, the goal remains the same: to understand and enhance how users interact with a product. Embracing usability testing is not just a best practice; it is a strategic imperative for any business committed to delivering exceptional digital experiences.

Want to find out how real users interact with your app and gain actionable insights? Get in touch with us to learn more about our usability testing services.