What is Usability Testing?
Usability testing is the evaluation of products to ensure that they are intuitive and easy-to-use. We conduct usability testing in a variety of settings, including research labs, in real-world settings, and remotely, using web-based software. We perform usability testing at various stages in the development cycle. Usability testing involves developing task-based user scenarios, using the think-aloud methodology, and analyzing observational data as well as subjective user feedback to make recommendations for enhancing the usability and accessibility of the product.
The typical usability test involves 6-8 end users. However, if a client develops a complex product or wants to reach a highly diverse audience, we may include more participants in the testing.
We work collaboratively with our clients to develop usability test plans and define user tasks. We encourage our clients to observe all testing activities.
In assessing the usability of a product, we may use one or more of the following research methods:
Accessibility testing and assessment
We engage in our accessibility studies users who are aging, blind and low vision, with physical or cognitive differences, and who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. We test hardware, software, websites and Web applications using tools such as JAWS, Window-Eyes, ZoomText, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and other speech recognition tools, as well as other assistive technologies.
Cognitive testing
We conduct qualitative, one-on-one research in which we ask target users to try-out products and technologies to ensure that they are accessible. We design research studies that use think-aloud data to determine whether users understand and can appropriately interpret how to interact with products.
Focus groups
We use focus groups to gather data on end user needs and requirements, to find out what is appealing to end users, and to gather opinions on different design schemas.
Heuristic, expert reviews
We develop analytical reports that provide independent insight based on our own expertise and a deep knowledge of the existing accessibility and human factors research. We review products to ensure that they are in compliance with existing standards (W3C WCAG, Section 508), but we also review products to ensure that they are accessible and usable beyond the level dictated by existing standards.
Program evaluation
Beyond usability, we measure the extent to which information technologies are indeed providing the information that users need and the extent to which users are actually learning the information that is provided. We use various program evaluation tools to measure impact.
Information architecture design
We review existing content and architecture, analyze the flow of information, create new taxonomies, and redesign content and architecture.
Readability analysis
We use a multi-pronged approach to assess the readability of content, including heuristics, readability software, and user testing to ensure that content is accessible to users from a range of literacy and language backgrounds.