Test Types
Usability Testing
Testing how easy and intuitive the software is for real users to accomplish their goals.
Full definition
Usability testing evaluates how easy the software is to use by observing real users performing tasks. It reveals confusion, frustration, and obstacles that functional testing misses.
Usability testing methods:
- Moderated testing: A facilitator guides users through tasks, asking questions
- Unmoderated testing: Users complete tasks independently, recorded for later analysis
- A/B testing: Compare two versions to see which performs better
- Heuristic evaluation: Experts evaluate against usability principles (Nielsen's heuristics)
- Card sorting: Users organize content to reveal intuitive navigation structures
Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics:
- 1.Visibility of system status
- 2.Match between system and real world
- 3.User control and freedom
- 4.Consistency and standards
- 5.Error prevention
- 6.Recognition rather than recall
- 7.Flexibility and efficiency of use
- 8.Aesthetic and minimalist design
- 9.Help users recognize and recover from errors
- 10.Help and documentation
5 users are enough to find 85% of usability problems (Nielsen/Landauer model).