Usability Testing

Usability testing is a usability practice intended to evaluate a product or information product by testing it with users against a pre-defined set of criteria. Usability testing involves the following activities:

  • Planning a test: Usability test plans state the specific information or research need, and outline the test methods and instruments that will be employed to obtain the data.
  • Developing test materials: Test materials must be developed and prepared for use during the test. This may consist of testing systems and environments, test products such as draft documentation or low-fidelity web designs, or other products.
  • Recruiting test participants: Test participants are recruited from the user descriptions and target audience defined in the test plan. Users are compensated with a variety of incentives, including product-related merchandise, free meals, or other attractive items.
  • Conducting the test: Tests are conducted according to the plan, and the results documented by test administrators.
  • Analysis: Test results and qualitative observations by the administrators are evaluated using methods defined in the test plan. Results are analyzed and assessed according to the goals in the test plan.

 

Online Resources

The STC Usability and User Experience Special Interest Group has a usability toolkit of forms and other materials to help you plan and conduct your test.

Dana Chisnell, STC Fellow and co-author of "Handbook of Usability Testing" (Rubin and Chisnell, 2008, Wiley) blogs about usability testing. Particularly useful posts:

Recommended books

Two textbooks by STC Fellows, both with lots of practical advice:

  • Barnum, C. (2010) Usability Testing Essentials: Ready, Set...Test! Morgan Kaufmann
  • Rubin, J. and Chisnell, D. (2008) Handbook of Usability Testing: How to Plan, Design and Conduct Effective Tests (2nd Edition) Wiley

A short, lively book in Steve Krug's inimitable style, aimed at people who want a quick way to conduct their first usability test:

  • Krug, S. (2009) Rocket Surgery Made Easy: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems New Riders

Last modified March 1, 2011