[Term Entry] Usability Testing

content/uiux/concepts/usability-testing/usability-testing.md

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+---
+Title: 'Usability Testing'
+Description: 'Evaluates how easily users complete tasks and uncover design issues through direct observation.'
+Subjects:
+  - 'Web Design'
+Tags:
+  - 'UX'
+  - 'User Research'
+  - 'Interaction Design'
+CatalogContent:
+  - 'intro-to-ui-ux'
+  - 'paths/front-end-engineer-career-path'
+---
+
+**Usability testing** is a UX research method used to evaluate how easily users can complete tasks using a product, service, or interface. It provides direct insights into how people interact with a design and where they encounter confusion, friction, or failure.
+
+Unlike surveys or focus groups, usability testing is task-based. Participants attempt real tasks while researchers observe behavior and collect feedback.
+
+## When and Why It’s Used
+
+Usability testing can occur at any stage of the product development cycle:
+
+- _Early stages._  
+  Run with wireframes or prototypes to test layout, interaction logic, and navigation.
+
+- _Post-launch._  
+  Identify usability issues in live products and gather insights for iteration.
+
+- _Before handoff._  
+  Confirm that flows such as onboarding or checkout are intuitive and error-free.
+
+- _Comparative testing._  
+  Compare multiple designs to measure differences in task success or satisfaction.
+
+## Key Elements of a Usability Test
+
+- _Defined tasks._  
+  Users complete realistic actions like “Find the return policy” or “Add an item to the cart.”
+
+- _Representative users._  
+  Participants reflect real users in goals, experience, and accessibility needs.
+
+- _Observation and note-taking._  
+  Researchers record hesitation, navigation patterns, and verbal feedback.
+
+- _Think-aloud protocol._  
+  Users are encouraged to speak their thoughts during tasks to reveal friction points.
+
+- _Success metrics._  
+  Metrics such as task completion rate, time on task, and error frequency complement qualitative feedback.
+
+> _Note: Usability testing evaluates the interface — not the user. It surfaces design flaws, not personal failures._
+
+## Types of Usability Testing for UX Designers
+
+The format of a usability test depends on context, goals, and constraints:
+
+- _Moderated vs. Unmoderated_
+- _Remote vs. In-Person_
+- _Qualitative vs. Quantitative_
+
+These categories can be combined to match project needs.
+
+### Qualitative vs. Quantitative Usability Testing
+
+- _Qualitative testing_ captures observations and open-ended feedback.  
+  Example: A user explains aloud why they struggle to submit a form.
+
+- _Quantitative testing_ collects measurable outcomes like task time or success rates.  
+  Example: 60% of users complete a payment task within 2 minutes.
+
+_Use qualitative testing_ to explore new designs. _Use quantitative testing_ to validate or benchmark results.
+
+### Moderated vs. Unmoderated Usability Testing
+
+- _Moderated testing_ is guided by a researcher in real time.
+
+  - Useful for exploratory feedback and live follow-up.
+  - Requires more planning and facilitation.
+
+- _Unmoderated testing_ is completed independently by users.
+  - Efficient and scalable with platforms like Maze or Useberry.
+  - No opportunity to clarify confusion in the moment.
+
+### Remote vs. In-Person Usability Testing
+
+- _Remote testing_ takes place via screen share or automated platforms.
+
+  - Convenient and diverse.
+  - Reflects real-world use environments.
+
+- _In-person testing_ is done in labs or observed spaces.
+  - Enables observation of gestures, expressions, and physical behavior.
+  - Often used for physical products or accessibility research.