5 Benefits of Usability Testing

Usability testing is a type of software testing where representative end-users use the software to find out usability defects. 

Usability testing solutions check if the application works to meet its objectives and if it is easy to use. Testers check if users understand and are able to carry out tasks on the app. Competitors’ solutions can also be tested by the business to gain relevant insight that can be used to benefit their own product. 

Usability testing must be done before a software release. It is best to conduct it in the design phase of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) as it is easier to fix defects earlier than later. Usability testing should also be conducted during development and follow up phases for best results.

Usability testing has two main methods: laboratory and remote testing. In laboratory testing, both observers and testers are present in the same location. In remote testing, users can use the app from their homes, while being connected to a moderator, who will gauge user experience from them. The user’s clicks are tracked to find out the problems they’ve faced. A/B testing sends two variations of the product to users, eliciting a response from the use of each. Results are compared to select the more viable product. 

The aim of these methods is to develop a high-quality product. We list 5 precise benefits of usability testing that help in creating such a product:

1. Find time spans for completing tasks

In usability testing, testers assign users with tasks to test the application’s features. The time span in which they complete the tasks can be compared with the expected time of task completion. This time frame gives a measure for the app’s functionality. Basic navigation functions should be fast and easy to use so that users can adapt quickly to the app and develop familiarity with its main operations.

2. Check the main tasks

Users can give feedback on what is lacking in the app, or what is working incorrectly. For example, if the content, color, icons, and images are not placed correctly or are unappealing or unresponsive, testers will remove the mentioned flaws and replace them with features more desirable to customers. This testing exercise will result in an app that performs better and offers a better user experience.

3. Identify undetected issues

Usability testing goes beyond testing the main features of the user interface. It can also check for problems that have not become obvious. For example, usability testing can tap into security bugs. Many apps have payment modules. If marred by bugs, secure financial transactions will not run through. Usability testing can figure out such lapses in the app.

4. Check user satisfaction

Businesses might lose perspective of customer expectations as they become engrossed in product development. With usability testing, unbiased feedback is gained about the product’s feasibility in the real world. The feedback is not obtained from random people, but the target audience. Testers can learn about the number of users who are happy with using the app. This can give an estimate of the product’s success after release.

5. Save time

Usability testing saves the time of both users and businesses. If usability testing is done at the right time, a business could save its resources from investing in the wrong product. Likewise, users will prefer using apps that are known to work properly, over apps that are not tested for usability, and likely to crash.