As described in the previous post: 3 Usability Testing Methods, Usability tests will save you time and money when releasing a new product, app, website, whatever. In that first part we described the methods that can be used in order to achieve the “answers” that you need. But that is, when you have your users already. How does this setup works? Where we should approach our users? How to control them and how to observe them?
Well, there are some types of Usability Test methods that you can try. You can choose it depending on your need. Check out below which one fits better your scenario:
Hallway Testing
The name says it all. You don’t ask experienced users or people that you know use similar products or already use your product, but to use aleatory people that will test your stuff in a spontaneous way. Use this method as a first-step when developing something new.
Remote Usability Testing
You can use this method when you have already contacted your testers. In this method, the users are located anywhere and use your interface remotely through video conference using any Software of your choice. Depending on the software you can record them and have documented every step taken, where did they click and which were the pain points.
Expert Review
This is when you use a specialist (Designer or IT related expert) to evaluate the efficiency of your interface. This test can be performed in your testing environment or remotely.
Paper Prototype
This technique is probably the lower you can have in costs. You can create your lo-fi mockups/prototypes and observe a user performing a task. You can use this method in the early stage of your creation and with this, avoid going through a wrong path already in the beginning. Also, answer some doubt you have in the early stage of creation.
Questionnaires and Interviews
You can send everywhere your questionnaire and collect data and statistics of the answers. Do this to survey people when the data you have is not satisfatory in order to prioritise or choose an approach.
Do-it-yourself Walkthrough
The name is self-explanatory. You go through your interface and perform tasks, collect the pain-points, and document your findings. To be more accurate, develop possible scenarios and different entry points and goals.
Whichever method you use, will yield data and answers many questions. Document it all, present to your Stakeholders and your are good to keep going. Don’t forget that Usability Tests are used after the release of your product as well. Again, choose the method that will fit better your needs.
Do you know any other usability testing methods? Please share it with us in the comments.