Usability testing
Make the right design decisions by testing with users throughout the product development lifecycle.
Identify problems
Uncover issues with the design of your digital product.
Discover opportunities
Reveal improvements that can be made to your product.
Know your users
Make sure you’re addressing your users' wants and needs.
Types of usability testing
Usability studies can be run in two ways: moderated or unmoderated.
Remote moderated
Your users are observed in real-time by a moderator via screen-share technology. The moderator watches the user interact with a product, listening to their spoken-out-loud thoughts, and can probe the user further by asking in-the-moment questions.
Remote unmoderated
Remote unmoderated usability testing lets you test any digital product online without the presence of a moderator. This is accomplished by setting tasks and writing questions beforehand, which participants then complete on their own.
When to use
Usability testing can be done throughout the product development lifecycle. Ideally, this is started early to test the flows of wireframes and prototypes, and is continued through each iteration.
What to remember
In moderated tests you'll be able to ask in-the-moment questions with the option to delve deeper. However in unmoderated, you won't be live with the user so you'll need careful planning of your tasks, and potential outcomes and questions.
What to prepare
Whether moderated or unmoderated, you'll need a digital product that's accessible online. You'll need a research question you're seeking to answer, and an understanding of your key tasks and metrics.
Complete guide to usability testing
Learn everything there is to know about usability testing in our extensive seven-part guide.