What are the latest usability testing trends and tools for User Experience Design?

1 Remote testing

Remote testing is a usability testing method that allows you to conduct tests with users who are located in different places, without the need for physical presence or travel. Remote testing can be done in various ways, such as using video conferencing, screen sharing, online surveys, or specialized tools that record user actions and feedback. Remote testing has many benefits, such as reducing costs, increasing accessibility, reaching diverse audiences, and enabling faster iterations. However, remote testing also has some challenges, such as ensuring technical reliability, maintaining communication, and building rapport with the users.

2 Eye tracking

Eye tracking is a usability testing technique that measures where and how users look at a screen, using devices that track the movement and focus of the eyes. Eye tracking can provide valuable insights into how users perceive and interact with a design, such as what attracts their attention, what confuses them, what influences their decisions, and how they scan the information. Eye tracking can be used for various purposes, such as evaluating visual hierarchy, navigation, layout, content, and branding. However, eye tracking also has some limitations, such as requiring specialized equipment, being influenced by external factors, and needing careful interpretation and analysis.

3 A/B testing

A/B testing is a usability testing method that compares two or more versions of a design element, such as a button, a headline, a color, or a layout, to see which one performs better in terms of user behavior, such as clicks, conversions, or satisfaction. A/B testing can help you optimize your design based on data, rather than assumptions or preferences. A/B testing can be done in various ways, such as using online tools that split the traffic between the versions, or conducting controlled experiments with a sample of users. However, A/B testing also has some drawbacks, such as requiring sufficient time and sample size, being affected by external variables, and not addressing the underlying user needs or problems.

5 Prototyping tools

Prototyping tools are software applications that allow you to create and test interactive mockups of your design, without the need for coding or development. Prototyping tools can help you communicate your design vision, test your assumptions, collect user feedback, and iterate your design faster and easier. Prototyping tools can vary in terms of features, functions, and fidelity, depending on your needs and goals. Some of the popular prototyping tools are Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, and Balsamiq.

6 Analytics tools

Analytics tools are software applications that allow you to collect and analyze data about how users interact with your design, such as how many users visit your website or app, how long they stay, what they do, where they come from, and what they like or dislike. Analytics tools can help you measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of your design, and identify areas for improvement or optimization. Analytics tools can provide various types of data, such as quantitative, qualitative, behavioral, or attitudinal, depending on your objectives and questions. Some of the popular analytics tools are Google Analytics, Hotjar, Mixpanel, and UserTesting.

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?