You need to improve your mobile app's usability. How can you test it on multiple platforms?

1 Choose your target platforms

Before you start testing your app, you need to decide which platforms you want to focus on. This depends on your app's purpose, audience, and market share. For example, if your app is designed for a global audience, you might want to test it on both Android and iOS, as they are the most popular mobile operating systems in the world. However, if your app is aimed at a specific region or niche, you might want to prioritize the platform that dominates that market. For instance, if your app is for online shopping in China, you might want to test it on Android, as it has a higher penetration rate than iOS in that country.

2 Use emulators and simulators

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to test your app on multiple platforms is to use emulators and simulators. These are software tools that mimic the behavior and appearance of real devices and operating systems on your computer. They allow you to run your app and check its usability without having to own or access physical devices. However, emulators and simulators have some limitations, such as not being able to replicate the actual performance, battery life, network conditions, and sensors of real devices. Therefore, you should use them as a supplement, not a substitute, for testing your app on real devices.

3 Test on real devices

To get the most accurate and reliable feedback on your app's usability, it is important to test it on real devices. While this can be expensive and time-consuming, there are ways to overcome this challenge. You can borrow or rent devices from friends, family, colleagues, or customers who use different platforms. Additionally, online testing platforms such as BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, and TestObject provide access to a large pool of real devices and operating systems via the cloud. Moreover, crowdsourced testing platforms like UserTesting, Testbirds, and uTest connect you with a network of testers who use different platforms and provide feedback on your app's usability. Real devices are essential for revealing issues that emulators and simulators might miss, such as compatibility, responsiveness, and user satisfaction.

4 Follow usability testing best practices

No matter which platform you test your app on, certain usability testing best practices should be followed to ensure valid and useful results. Start by defining your testing goals and metrics - what do you want to learn from your testing, and how will you measure your app's usability? Next, choose the methods and tools you'll use to conduct the testing and collect data. Then, recruit and segment your testers according to their characteristics and preferences. Plan and execute the testing sessions, providing clear instructions and scenarios. Lastly, analyze and report the findings - use charts, graphs, screenshots, or videos to illustrate your insights and suggest improvements for your app. Testing your mobile app's usability on multiple platforms can be difficult but also rewarding. By following these tips, you can make sure that your app meets the needs of all users across different operating systems.

5 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?