Usability Test

An observational method to uncover problems in a design, discover opportunities that exist, and learn more about the behaviors and preferences of users.

Target and recruit representative users of the product or service you're building. Don't rely solely on usability data from your own your team or company unless what you're designing is intended exclusively for them.

Ask participants to perform realistic tasks using your design. They can be very specific or open-ended, depending on the goals of the test.

While you are running the test, make sure to listen intently and avoid biasing the participants. Remember to remain neutral. Avoid leading questions. Ensure participants understand that they are helping you test the design and you are not testing them. It can be tempting to give them the answer if they get stuck, but it's more insightful to see how they overcome it.

Be sure to measure both the speed and ease at which participants manage the task in addition to what they say about it. How well participants perform doesn't always match their subjective experience of doing so.