Usability testing

Usability testing is a research method used to measure how easy it is to use a product. It involves getting users to perform a task or series of tasks, observing them, and gaining their feedback.

Some examples of tasks include asking users to:

• Make a purchase
• Get rid of an error message
• Locate a particular piece of information

Insights from usability testing can reveal user interests and preferences, usability issues in the product, potential solutions, and improvements. Generally, usability testing is done in the later stages of product development, but it can also be done in the development stage using low-to-mid-fidelity prototypes or wireframes.^[1]

Testing sessions can be moderated, unmoderated, carried out in a lab, remotely over the phone or internet, or guerilla-style in person.