Importance of User Testing
User testing is a process used in UX/UI designing in which some volunteer users test the interface or function of the app or website. Through this we are able gather realistic results from the users to find out if there are any bugs and/or flaws in our product. User testing improves the customer experience of the product in the long run. User testing is considered one of the essential parts of UX design process which helps to find problems in the early stage and fix it sooner.
What was the hardest thing about user testing?
Sometimes if the product is complicated, contains extra details or has clutter content then it may confuse the user and make it difficult to complete the task. That is why, user testing is more important before launching the product in the market because we do not know how user will react or respond.
User testing depends heavily on the users and if the users are not relevant or from the targeted audience then it will give you mixed or confusing results. Test participants must belong to the target audience so the testing data can be accurate to the actual product.
How many users should we include in user testing?
The answer is as many as possible, but not just anyone can test the product. It should be reliable users or neutral so the result will not be biased. Another major point is the users may differ because they are from different countries, region, culture so that is why we need to be more detail oriented towards product and who are the consumers.
Writing the test scripts or creating scenarios to complete the task will help the users stay more focused in completing the task. Before giving the task or scenario to them, it’s helpful to tell them to freely explore the app or website and record their first reactions and have observers to watch, listen and take notes on user testing.
Lastly, I would like to say that we need to do user testing on every step of design process to validate the product from the start so the end product has more chances to be successful. Keep making iterations until you, your client, and the users are satisfied to a certain extent, at least.
Umair Jeelani
UX/UI Designer
