3. Unlocking UX Usability Testing Essentials

Hi everyone! Welcome back to article number 3. In this article, we'll explore the fundamental aspects of conducting effective Usability Testing.

From March 11th to March 15th, 2024, learners are hosting an Intro to UX Research five-day program, featuring numerous senior researchers, to delve into the basics of the trade. It is currently being live-streamed on YouTube, so do tune in if you are interested or learn more on the links I mentioned above.

This article is going to merge learnings from two workshops conducted today during the Intro to UX Research series. Workshop 5 was on Insights on Preparing For Usability Tests, also known as, 'How to avoid wasting time testing the wrong thing cause we all know how terribly annoying that could be' by N. Jenny Hwang and Workshop 6 was on Conducting Usability Testing by Zach McDonald . So let's dive in.

So, what is Usability?

The extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use. – Tara Bassili

What is Usability Testing?

Usability Testing is a method where a researcher asks a participant to perform tasks, using one or more user interfaces to observe the participant's behavior and listen to feedback.? – Tara Bassili

Keeping this in mind, usability testing helps us in our work and life by providing invaluable insights into how users interact with products or systems. By observing users' behavior and listening to their feedback, we can identify pain points, areas of confusion, and opportunities for improvement. This allows us to make informed design decisions, ultimately leading to more user-friendly and effective solutions that enhance both productivity and satisfaction in various contexts of use.

How to plan and prepare better for Usability Testing?

1. Set your research goals: Before conducting usability testing, clearly define the problem you're addressing, outline the test's main objective, and identify relevant metrics such as task completion, time taken, error detection, and flow efficiency. Establishing these goals helps guide the testing process and ensures meaningful results.
2. Decide on how to test: Choose the testing approach—whether moderated or unmoderated—based on factors like research objectives and logistical constraints. Consider whether qualitative or quantitative data is more appropriate and determine whether testing will be conducted remotely or in person.
3. Create a script: Develop a detailed script that includes a list of tasks to test, a clear scenario for participants, and instructions that avoid leading the user. Write an introduction and conclusion, outline participant demographics, and ensure accessibility considerations are addressed.
4. Recruit users: Aim to recruit around 5 testers to capture a variety of insights while avoiding redundancy. Recognize that additional tests may yield repetitive findings, so balance the number of participants with the depth of insights required.
5. Setup Testing: Choose the appropriate testing environment, such as remote moderated or unmoderated sessions, ensuring privacy and data protection measures are in place. Obtain necessary consent forms and consider implementing NDAs to protect sensitive information.

How Can You Convince Your Seniors to Trust You with Crucial Usability Testing Sessions?

To gain the trust of seniors or managers in leading usability testing sessions, you must demonstrate a blend of essential skills and qualities. Begin by meticulously preparing a moderation guide that clearly outlines session objectives, tasks, and procedures, showcasing your readiness and organizational abilities. Effective communication, empathy, and active listening are vital; engaging participants in meaningful conversations fosters rapport and enhances the testing process.

Transparency and honesty are also equally crucial. Openly acknowledge your limitations and be willing to seek help when needed, whether by involving a third person or reaching out to your team for support. Through diligent preparation, clear communication, and a commitment to growth, you can confidently convey your readiness to lead usability testing sessions to your seniors or managers, ultimately contributing to the success of the project.

3 Friendly Tips for Success:

1. Clear Objectives: Defining clear research goals and objectives is crucial because it provides a roadmap for your usability testing efforts. By understanding what specific aspects of usability you want to assess and what metrics you'll use to measure success, you ensure that your testing is focused and purposeful. Clear objectives also help in aligning stakeholders' expectations and making informed decisions throughout the testing process.
2. Effective Moderation: Being a skilled moderator is essential for facilitating productive usability testing sessions. Creating a welcoming atmosphere helps participants feel comfortable and open to sharing their feedback. Guiding participants through tasks without leading them ensures that their responses are genuine and unbiased. Asking open-ended questions helps uncover valuable insights that might not surface otherwise. Additionally, keeping the session focused ensures that you gather relevant data efficiently while maintaining participant engagement throughout the process.
3. Thorough Preparation: Thorough preparation sets the foundation for successful usability testing. Creating a detailed moderation guide ensures that you have a clear plan for the session, including objectives, tasks, and procedures. Setting up the testing environment properly, ensuring participants have signed the necessary forms, and briefing your team on their roles are all essential steps in ensuring a smooth and efficient testing process. Piloting the test beforehand helps identify and address any potential issues, ensuring that the actual sessions run seamlessly and produce reliable results.

Conclusion:

For all the beginners who are embarking on their first-ever usability test, here's a reminder: always pilot the test. It helps when you know what to expect and how it should flow. And, there is a high chance, that the first session may feel choppy, but practice makes it so much better. But, while it's important to keep the atmosphere light-hearted, professionalism should always remain a priority. So trust yourself, stay true to your personality, and make the process fun. And when in doubt, seek help. That's the best way forward.

I hope you all found this helpful. Do stay tuned for an upcoming article on Unlocking Analyzing, Synthesizing & Communicating UX User Interviews & Usability Testing Data by Jessica Pavia, Tara Bassili, Julia Meriel, Anna Tendera, and Gabriel Reis, which marks the fourth day of the Intro to UX Research workshop series by learners. Furthermore, to everyone who made it to the end, thank you! I'd love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your comments below.