diff --git a/content/uiux/concepts/usability-testing/usability-testing.md b/content/uiux/concepts/usability-testing/usability-testing.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..4935525ab24 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/uiux/concepts/usability-testing/usability-testing.md @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +--- +Title: 'Usability Testing' +Description: 'Evaluates how easily users complete tasks and uncover design issues through direct observation.' +Subjects: + - 'Web Design' +Tags: + - 'UX' + - 'User Research' + - 'Interaction Design' +CatalogContent: + - 'intro-to-ui-ux' + - 'paths/front-end-engineer-career-path' +--- + +**Usability testing** is a UX research method used to evaluate how easily users can complete tasks using a product, service, or interface. It provides direct insights into how people interact with a design and where they encounter confusion, friction, or failure. + +Unlike surveys or focus groups, usability testing is task-based. Participants attempt real tasks while researchers observe behavior and collect feedback. + +## When and Why It’s Used + +Usability testing can occur at any stage of the product development cycle: + +- _Early stages._ + Run with wireframes or prototypes to test layout, interaction logic, and navigation. + +- _Post-launch._ + Identify usability issues in live products and gather insights for iteration. + +- _Before handoff._ + Confirm that flows such as onboarding or checkout are intuitive and error-free. + +- _Comparative testing._ + Compare multiple designs to measure differences in task success or satisfaction. + +## Key Elements of a Usability Test + +- _Defined tasks._ + Users complete realistic actions like “Find the return policy” or “Add an item to the cart.” + +- _Representative users._ + Participants reflect real users in goals, experience, and accessibility needs. + +- _Observation and note-taking._ + Researchers record hesitation, navigation patterns, and verbal feedback. + +- _Think-aloud protocol._ + Users are encouraged to speak their thoughts during tasks to reveal friction points. + +- _Success metrics._ + Metrics such as task completion rate, time on task, and error frequency complement qualitative feedback. + +> _Note: Usability testing evaluates the interface — not the user. It surfaces design flaws, not personal failures._ + +## Types of Usability Testing for UX Designers + +The format of a usability test depends on context, goals, and constraints: + +- _Moderated vs. Unmoderated_ +- _Remote vs. In-Person_ +- _Qualitative vs. Quantitative_ + +These categories can be combined to match project needs. + +### Qualitative vs. Quantitative Usability Testing + +- _Qualitative testing_ captures observations and open-ended feedback. + Example: A user explains aloud why they struggle to submit a form. + +- _Quantitative testing_ collects measurable outcomes like task time or success rates. + Example: 60% of users complete a payment task within 2 minutes. + +_Use qualitative testing_ to explore new designs. _Use quantitative testing_ to validate or benchmark results. + +### Moderated vs. Unmoderated Usability Testing + +- _Moderated testing_ is guided by a researcher in real time. + + - Useful for exploratory feedback and live follow-up. + - Requires more planning and facilitation. + +- _Unmoderated testing_ is completed independently by users. + - Efficient and scalable with platforms like Maze or Useberry. + - No opportunity to clarify confusion in the moment. + +### Remote vs. In-Person Usability Testing + +- _Remote testing_ takes place via screen share or automated platforms. + + - Convenient and diverse. + - Reflects real-world use environments. + +- _In-person testing_ is done in labs or observed spaces. + - Enables observation of gestures, expressions, and physical behavior. + - Often used for physical products or accessibility research.