Usability: Testing Your Product Early Can Prevent Trouble in the Future

Website usability testing is used to determine whether or not a new website or prototype will perform as intended. Instead of simply surveying potential users, test representatives are observed actually using the product to help better identify sources of confusion, frustration and difficulty. Some testing allows participants to browse on their own, the most useful results will come by providing certain tasks for the participants to complete. Once testing has wrapped up, you should have a better idea of how easy your product is to use and how satisfied customers will be. Any desired changes can be made before releasing the final version, leading to a more successful product down the road.

When testing usability, there are several key elements to keep in mind regarding user experience. Although there may be variations of each of these, the following factors must be considered when creating an effective, user-friendly product or website.

Visual Design: What does your website look like? Are the text and graphics effective? Do they convey your message and still work for the user? If your message isn't coming across right away, then you're already at a disadvantage.  Start using ClueApp to understand how your users are conveying the site.

Interface Design: Also referred to as user interface, the interface design includes a variety of elements and components - such as the search bar, drop down menus, etc. - that affect the usability for your customers. Are the features on your site effective for what your users are trying to accomplish?

Database Architecture: Content is a key piece to your website, so you must consider if it's placed effectively. Does the information make sense to the user?

Interaction Design/Navigation: Are your users able to find their way around your website to get to what they're looking for? Is it simple, or does it cause frustration and confusion?

User Needs: What does your typical user need from your website? This may partially be determined through usability testing but also by examining competition and referencing other available research. Find out what will keep users on your site and coming back for more. Watch what they click on with tools like Userfly.

Site Objectives: What is the purpose of the site, and is it set up in a way that makes it possible for users to go through the process and reach your end goal?

All-in-all, usability testing is a great way to determine if your website is up to the necessary standards for your users. Viewing potential customers working through the site will give you the opportunity to make sure each of the above mentioned elements are in place and working to your advantage.