How do you conduct Usability Testing for different types of products?

1 Define your goals and metrics

Before you start testing, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. Depending on the type of product and the stage of development, your goals and metrics may vary. For example, if you are testing a website, you may want to measure how quickly and easily users can complete certain tasks, such as finding information, making a purchase, or signing up. If you are testing a game, you may want to measure how engaged and entertained users are, how often they play, or how they react to different features. Some common metrics for usability testing are success rate, error rate, time on task, satisfaction rating, and retention rate.

2 Choose your test method and tools

There are many ways to conduct usability testing, depending on your budget, resources, and objectives. Some of the most common methods are moderated testing, unmoderated testing, remote testing, and guerrilla testing. Moderated testing involves observing and interacting with users in person or via video call, while unmoderated testing allows users to complete tasks on their own using a software tool. Remote testing enables you to reach users from different locations and contexts, while guerrilla testing involves approaching random people in public places and asking them to try your product. Each method has its pros and cons, so you need to choose the one that suits your needs and constraints. You also need to select the appropriate tools for recording, analyzing, and reporting your test results, such as screen capture software, eye-tracking devices, surveys, or analytics platforms.

3 Recruit and screen your participants

The next step is to find and select the right users for your test. You want to recruit participants who represent your target audience and have relevant characteristics, such as demographics, behaviors, preferences, or needs. You can use various methods to recruit participants, such as online platforms, social media, email lists, referrals, or incentives. You also need to screen your participants to ensure they meet your criteria and are willing and able to participate. You can use screening questions, interviews, or pre-test surveys to filter out unsuitable candidates and confirm their availability and consent.

4 Prepare your test materials and environment

Before you conduct your test, you need to prepare the materials and environment that you will use. Depending on the type of product and test method, your materials may include a prototype, a script, a scenario, a task list, a consent form, a questionnaire, or a feedback form. You need to make sure that your materials are clear, concise, and realistic, and that they cover the main features and functions of your product. You also need to set up the environment where you will conduct your test, whether it is a lab, a meeting room, a coffee shop, or a user's home. You need to ensure that the environment is comfortable, quiet, and distraction-free, and that it has the necessary equipment, such as a computer, a camera, a microphone, or a mobile device.

5 Conduct your test and collect data

Now you are ready to conduct your test and collect data from your participants. Depending on the test method, you may need to greet and brief your participants, ask them to sign a consent form, explain the test procedure and objectives, and answer any questions they may have. You then need to ask them to perform the tasks that you have prepared, while observing and recording their actions, reactions, comments, and feedback. You may also need to ask them to think aloud, answer questions, or fill out surveys during or after the test. You need to be respectful, attentive, and neutral, and avoid leading, influencing, or interrupting your participants. You also need to thank them and debrief them at the end of the test.

6 Analyze and report your findings

The final step is to analyze and report your findings from the test. You need to review and organize the data that you have collected, such as videos, audio recordings, screenshots, notes, surveys, or analytics. You need to look for patterns, trends, insights, and issues that relate to your goals and metrics. You need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your product, the user needs and expectations, and the usability problems and solutions. You also need to communicate your findings to your stakeholders, such as your team, your clients, or your users. You can use various formats and methods to present your findings, such as reports, dashboards, charts, graphs, or videos. You need to make sure that your findings are clear, concise, and actionable, and that they support your recommendations for improving your product.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?