Software Testing - Usability Testing

1. What is Usability Testing?

Usability Testing is a non-functional testing technique used to evaluate how easy and user-friendly a product is.
It’s all about real users performing real tasks while testers observe, take notes, and measure how effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily they can complete those tasks.

In short:

"Can the target users use this product without confusion or frustration?"

2. Goals of Usability Testing

  • Ensure the interface is clear, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

  • Identify usability issues before launch.

  • Improve user satisfaction and reduce errors.

  • Validate that the product meets UX/UI standards.

3. Key Characteristics

  • Focuses on user experience, not internal code or logic.

  • Conducted with actual or representative users.

  • Observers gather both qualitative feedback (opinions) and quantitative data (task completion time, error rate).

4. Usability Testing Metrics

  • Effectiveness → Were tasks completed successfully? (Success rate)

  • Efficiency → How quickly were tasks completed? (Time on task)

  • Error Rate → How many mistakes did users make?

  • Learnability → How easy was it for a new user to learn?

  • Satisfaction → Did users feel comfortable and happy with the product?

5. Usability Testing Process

Step 1 – Plan

  • Define goals: What do you want to learn?

  • Identify target users.

  • Decide on tasks (e.g., sign up, search for a product, complete a purchase).

Step 2 – Prepare

  • Create a prototype or live version of the product.

  • Develop realistic scenarios for users to follow.

  • Choose the testing method (in-person, remote, moderated, unmoderated).

Step 3 – Conduct the Test

  • Have participants attempt the tasks.

  • Observe silently but be ready to ask clarifying questions.

  • Record screen, voice, and actions.

Step 4 – Analyze

  • Compile results: Success rate, time taken, errors.

  • Highlight patterns in problems.

  • Collect quotes and comments from users.

Step 5 – Report & Improve

  • Share findings with the team.

  • Recommend UX/UI changes.

  • Retest after improvements.

6. Methods of Usability Testing

  1. Moderated In-Person

    • Facilitator guides the session, observes live.

  2. Moderated Remote

    • Same as above, but via video call.

  3. Unmoderated Remote

    • Users complete tasks on their own, results are recorded.

  4. A/B Testing

    • Compare two versions of a page or feature to see which works better.

  5. 5-Second Test

    • Show a design for 5 seconds, then ask what they remember (tests clarity).

7. Tools for Usability Testing

  • UserTesting.com – Remote usability testing platform.

  • Lookback – Live observation and recording.

  • Maze – Prototype usability testing.

  • Hotjar / Crazy Egg – Heatmaps & user interaction analysis.

  • Optimal Workshop – Navigation and card sorting.

8. Advantages

  • Improves user satisfaction and retention.

  • Reduces training and support costs.

  • Finds hidden UI/UX problems early.

  • Helps create more accessible designs.

9. Disadvantages

  • Can be time-consuming to recruit participants.

  • Requires careful planning to avoid bias.

  • May not cover all real-world scenarios in one test.

10. Example

Imagine testing a food delivery app:

  • Task: Order a pizza with extra cheese for delivery.

  • Observation:

    • 3/5 users couldn’t find the “extra cheese” option.

    • Average order time: 4 minutes (goal: under 2 minutes).

    • Feedback: “Too many steps before checkout.”

  • Action: Simplify the customization and checkout process.