Usability tests for small software businesses. . .

Who has time for usability testing when you are developing, marketing, updating your web site, and . . . well, you know the drill. Usability testing sounds rather time-consuming, scientific, involved, and expensive. However, none of these are true. Usability testing is actually straightforward and easy to conduct. And even if you have time for only one usability test, your software interface can shine brighter:

  • One usability test pinpoints many potential problems—before you lose the sale.
  • One usability test can prevent many support calls.

Try the fast and simple way to approach this important stage of developing your product:

  1. Write out one or more paragraphs that pinpoint your typical user. You might envision a couple of different typical users. That is fine. Just make sure you know who you want to talk to before you go recruit a few folks to test. In usability lingo, these folks are called representative users.
  2. Recruit about five folks who fit your typical user profiles to evaluate your software. You should be able to physically visit these folks. If you cannot get five, one person is still beneficial.
  3. Set up individual visits with each person who agrees to test.
  4. Ask your user to perform typical activities with your software. In usability lingo, this is a called a representative task.
  5. Observe and write down how your user completes the task. With a notepad in hand, and, ideally, a video camera, note where the tester glides easily through the software. Note where the user stops or pauses, wrinkling a brow in frustration. Above all, be quiet.

    Caution

    • Leave your testers alone. Do not tell them where to click or what to do. Directing them ruins the results of the test.

    Tips

    • Present different versions of the same user interface to your tester.
    • Try to test in different stages of your product development with your users. This can save you time down the road.