How do you test user interface usability and accessibility in software design?

2 Accessibility testing

Accessibility testing is the process of checking how accessible your UI is for users with different abilities, preferences, and devices. Accessibility testing can help you ensure that your product complies with the relevant standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and that it does not exclude or discriminate any users based on their physical, cognitive, or environmental limitations. Accessibility testing can involve both manual and automated checks, such as keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, color contrast, text size, or captions. You can use tools like axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse to audit and improve your UI accessibility.

3 Heuristic evaluation

Heuristic evaluation is the process of inspecting your UI based on a set of predefined principles or criteria, such as Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics. Heuristic evaluation can help you assess the general quality and consistency of your UI design, and identify any violations or deviations from the best practices. Heuristic evaluation can be performed by experts or peers, who can review your UI and rate it according to each heuristic, such as visibility, match, feedback, error prevention, or aesthetics. You can use tools like Optimal Workshop, UserZoom, or Loop11 to conduct and report heuristic evaluation.

5 A/B testing

A/B testing is the process of comparing two or more versions of your UI to see which one performs better on a specific metric or outcome, such as conversion, retention, or engagement. A/B testing can help you optimize your UI design based on data and evidence, and test different hypotheses or assumptions. A/B testing can be conducted with real users, either in a controlled or natural setting, using tools like Google Optimize, Optimizely, or VWO to create and run experiments, and measure and analyze results.

6 User surveys

User surveys are the process of collecting user feedback and opinions about your UI using structured or unstructured questions, such as ratings, scales, or open-ended responses. User surveys can help you understand user needs, preferences, expectations, and satisfaction, and gather insights and suggestions for improvement. User surveys can be conducted before, during, or after usability or accessibility testing, using tools like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Qualtrics to create and distribute surveys, and analyze and visualize data.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?