Usability Testing: A Simple Guide to Improving User Experience Step-by-Step

Imagine this: Your team has spent hours perfecting your product’s design and features, but one question remains: “Will users find it as easy to use as we think?”

Usability testing helps you find out by revealing how real users experience your product. Even if you’re confident, testing can confirm your assumptions and highlight potential improvements. Plus, running tests throughout your product's lifecycle helps you stay on top of user behaviour and needs. It's a win-win!

What Is Usability Testing?

Usability testing is a type of user research that evaluates how easy it is for users to navigate your website or app. By watching real users complete tasks, you can identify issues you might have missed and improve the user experience. The goal is to ensure your product solves user problems and helps them reach their goals smoothly.

What Usability Testing Is Not

Before we dive in, let’s clear up some confusion. Usability testing is often mixed up with other types of user research. Here’s what it’s not:

A/B Testing: Compares two designs to see which performs better. It’s about preferences, not user behaviour.

Surveys: Collects opinions but does not show how users interact with your product.

Focus Groups: Gathers group feedback but doesn’t test actual product use.

User Testing: A broad term that can refer to general product testing or collecting quantitative data before usability testing.

Types of Usability Testing

The kind of usability test you choose depends on what you want to learn. Here are the main types:

1. Qualitative vs. Quantitative

Qualitative Testing: Focuses on understanding user thoughts and feelings. For example, you might ask users to talk through their experience as they complete tasks. This type of data comes from observation and interviews.

Quantitative Testing: Focuses on numbers, like task completion rates or time taken. This type of testing looks for patterns and helps make predictions.

2. Moderated vs. Unmoderated

Moderated Testing: A moderator guides users through the tasks, answering questions and observing their behaviour.

Unmoderated Testing: Users complete tasks on their own, often using software that records their actions and feedback.

3. Remote vs. In-Person

Remote Testing: Users test your product from their location using tools like Usertest Pro. It’s convenient and allows you to gather insights from users all over the world.

In-Person Testing: Conducted face-to-face, often in a lab. It’s more expensive and time-consuming but useful for products that need close supervision or physical interaction.

Key Benefits of Usability Testing

Usability testing offers several important advantages. Here are five key benefits:

1. Reduce Development Costs

By catching usability problems early, you can fix them before launch—saving time and money.

2. Tailor Products to Your Users

Your users may approach your product differently than you expect. Testing helps you understand their needs and adjust your product accordingly.

3. Increase Accessibility

Including users with different abilities in testing ensures your product works for everyone. This not only meets accessibility standards but also makes your product more user-friendly for all.

4. Boost User Satisfaction and Brand Reputation

A product that’s easy to use builds customer loyalty and enhances your brand’s reputation.

5. Overcome Cognitive Biases

Usability testing helps avoid assumptions by providing real feedback from users who are not familiar with your product.