You’re a web developer. What usability testing software do you need to know?

1 Remote testing

Remote testing is a type of usability testing software that enables you to test your website with users who are located anywhere in the world, without requiring them to come to your office or lab. Remote testing software typically uses video, audio, screen sharing, and chat features to capture user behavior, feedback, and emotions. Remote testing can help you reach a larger and more diverse sample of users, save time and money, and test your website in different contexts and devices. However, remote testing also poses some challenges, such as ensuring user consent, privacy, and security, managing technical issues, and maintaining user engagement and motivation.

2 Moderated testing

Moderated testing is a type of usability testing software that involves a facilitator who guides the user through the testing process, asks questions, and provides support. Moderated testing software usually allows the facilitator to communicate with the user via voice or video call, and to observe the user's screen, mouse movements, and facial expressions. Moderated testing can help you gain deeper insights into user needs, preferences, and expectations, as well as to explore complex or sensitive topics. However, moderated testing also requires more planning, coordination, and skill, as well as more time and resources, than unmoderated testing.

3 Unmoderated testing

Unmoderated testing is a type of usability testing software that does not involve a facilitator, but rather lets the user complete the testing tasks on their own, following a set of instructions. Unmoderated testing software usually collects user data through screen recording, webcam recording, mouse tracking, surveys, and analytics. Unmoderated testing can help you test your website quickly, easily, and affordably, as well as to obtain unbiased and honest feedback from users. However, unmoderated testing also has some limitations, such as relying on user self-reporting, having less control over the testing environment and quality, and missing out on some contextual and emotional cues.

4 Eye tracking

Eye tracking is a type of usability testing software that measures where and how users look at your website, using either a special device or a webcam. Eye tracking software can provide you with valuable data on user attention, interest, and engagement, as well as on potential usability issues, such as visual clutter, confusion, or distraction. Eye tracking can help you optimize your website layout, design, content, and navigation, as well as to test different variations and hypotheses. However, eye tracking also requires careful calibration, interpretation, and validation, as well as ethical considerations, especially when using webcam-based methods.

5 Heat maps

Heat maps are a type of usability testing software that visualize user data, such as clicks, scrolls, taps, and mouse movements, using different colors to indicate the intensity and frequency of user activity. Heat maps can help you identify the most and least popular areas of your website, as well as the user patterns, behaviors, and expectations. Heat maps can help you improve your website usability, conversion, and retention, as well as to compare different versions and segments of users. However, heat maps also have some drawbacks, such as being influenced by external factors, such as screen size, resolution, and browser, and not providing the reasons behind user actions.

6 A/B testing

A/B testing is a type of usability testing software that allows you to compare two or more versions of your website, or a specific element of your website, such as a headline, a button, or an image, and to measure which one performs better according to a predefined goal, such as clicks, sign-ups, or purchases. A/B testing software usually randomly assigns users to different versions, and tracks and analyzes the results using statistical methods. A/B testing can help you make data-driven decisions, optimize your website performance, and increase your return on investment. However, A/B testing also requires careful planning, execution, and evaluation, as well as sufficient sample size, time, and resources, to ensure valid and reliable outcomes.

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?