What are the most effective UED research methods for testing software?

2 Observations and usability tests

Observations and usability tests are UED research methods that involve watching and recording how users perform tasks with software products. Observations are usually naturalistic, meaning they occur in the users' real environment and context. Usability tests are usually controlled, meaning they occur in a lab or simulated environment with predefined scenarios and metrics. Observations and usability tests can help software designers evaluate user behavior, performance, and problems.

3 Card sorting and tree testing

Card sorting and tree testing are UED research methods that involve asking users to organize and navigate information in software products. Card sorting is a technique that asks users to sort cards with labels or images into categories that make sense to them. Tree testing is a technique that asks users to find information in a hierarchical structure or menu. Card sorting and tree testing can help software designers create user-friendly information architecture and navigation.

4 Prototyping and wireframing

Prototyping and wireframing are UED research methods that involve creating and testing low-fidelity or high-fidelity representations of software products. Prototyping is a process that produces interactive or static models of software products that simulate some or all of their features and functions. Wireframing is a process that produces sketches or diagrams of software products that show their layout and structure. Prototyping and wireframing can help software designers communicate and validate their design ideas and concepts.

5 A/B testing and multivariate testing

A/B testing and multivariate testing are UED research methods that involve comparing and measuring the impact of different design variations on user behavior and outcomes. A/B testing is a technique that tests two versions of a design element (such as a button, a color, or a headline) and determines which one performs better. Multivariate testing is a technique that tests multiple combinations of design elements and determines which one performs best. A/B testing and multivariate testing can help software designers optimize their design decisions and improve their conversion rates.

6 Analytics and heatmaps

Analytics and heatmaps are UED research methods that involve collecting and visualizing data about how users interact with software products. Analytics are tools that track and measure user actions, such as clicks, views, sessions, and conversions. Heatmaps are tools that display user attention, engagement, and movement, such as mouse movements, scrolls, taps, and eye tracking. Analytics and heatmaps can help software designers understand user behavior, preferences, and patterns.