Usability Testing Process

Usability Testing

Most companies initially adopt a 'toe in the water' approach to usability testing, either through an expert review or testing their website with a small sample of users. At this point, we must warn you that user testing is very addictive. Your team will love it, your users will love it and your balance sheet will definitely love it too! Studies have shown that "Following a usability redesign, websites increase desired metrics by 135% on average." (Jakob Nielsen, Alertbox)

the process

The project begins with a discussion of your business objectives, web history and aims of testing. With this in mind we will work with you to devise a series of tasks to be performed by users on the website that put these aims to the test.

The next stage is recruiting people who represent 'typical users' to participate in the testing. These 'users' will be required to perform the pre-defined tasks, and asked to 'talk out loud' as they do them. The tasks are used as a framework, designed to encourage users to explore the site as much as possible. We adopt a qualitative flexible approach to testing as we believe this provides you with the greatest insight into your customer needs. We listen to your customers, gaining an insight into not only their thoughts, but also their vocabulary.

Using our specialist suite of recording technology we are able to capture the user's actions, reactions, comments as they work their way through the tasks. Our usability lab is fully mobile, and tests can be run anywhere where there is an internet network connection available, whether it's our own offices, onsite with you and your team, or even at your user's homes.

Our remote viewing facility allows you to observe the usability testing sessions without disrupting the user. Our experience has taught us that encouraging all those involved in the website to actually sit down and watch a test as it happens can be a great discussion starter and really make your team feel involved.

At the end of it all we produce a full written report of all the user test sessions along with a series of recommendations for improving your site. You also get a video recording on CDRom for you to review at your leisure.

the outcome

After implementing your changes based on the findings from the usability testing will bring a whole heap of rewards to your business...

the detail

When should we do it and how often?
Usability testing can be done at any time in the development process. Whether you are prototyping a new website, revamping an old one or just wanting to spruce things up a bit, a usability test can provide you with a wealth of information that will be invaluable to the design/redesign process. Not least, it can prove an excellent motivator for your team.

Usability testing is not a one off 'tick the box' and the 'job is done' type of deal. If you are committed to delivering a quality service then you should be continually adapting to your customer needs. We recommend regular usability testing 'top-ups' every 6 months to keep you up to speed with your users.

How long will it take?
An average user session lasts around one hour and we recommend testing with 5 to 10 users. We therefore suggest assigning at least one full day to user testing. For each day of testing we require time for preparation, analysis and documentation. That means a project with 8 users can potentially be turned around within 2 weeks.

How do we find 'users'?
We can help you to recruit a representative sample typical of your target audience. If you want to do it yourself, check out our guidelines on recruitment for usability testing. You should usually allow around two weeks to recruit suitable users.

How much will it cost?
This depends on how many different types of user you want to test your websites on. Check out our Usability Cost Estimator to determine what's viable within your budget.

Interested in Usability Testing?