Understanding the user's behavior while they test a specific product or application and identifying usability issues are the key activities of user testing. The objective of user testing is to verify that the user's expectations are fulfilled and thus focus on creating a user-centric product or application. It is performed just before the product is released into the marketplace. In this article, you will get to know about the strategies used for conducting user testing effectively.
In this testing method, customers and end users are involved, so that a prototype, feature or product can be tested and evaluated by them accordingly. The item is used by test subjects and various positive attributes and pain points are identified, so that businesses can scale their user experience.
The following are the strategies used for conducting user testing:
The value of focus groups: A small group of real users is formed, so that they can discuss various attributes of the feature, prototype or product. The group discussion is generally led by one of the employees, researchers or designers so that the desired level of feedback can be obtained. The test group discussion is generally carried out for a few hours, wherein key aspects of a software product or application are tactically discussed in a meaningful and insightful manner.
The significance of A/B testing: It is a testing method wherein the test subjects are split into groups and different product versions are tested to ascertain their preferences. In this manner, the team can know which version is well-suited for the customer's needs, so that a better user experience can be provided. Different product versions can be shared with the customers and thus learn and understand what works best for them.
Guessing based on the information about the target audience or buyer personas is not considered to be a viable option.
The importance of surveys: It is one of the key strategies of user testing wherein quantitative, accurate data is obtained from the customers pertaining to their experience with the software product or application. A survey consists of a set of questions revolving around the specific product that will be answered by users, who have used that product so that their experience in the form of feedback is captured.
The objective is to gather feedback in the form of survey forms so that the feedback can be properly analyzed and meaningful decisions can be made.
Usability testing: It can also be used in coherence with user testing. Though there might be certain tactical differences between user testing and usability testing, but, still it is considered to be one of the strategies for user testing.
It is a testing method wherein a few customers/users will test and evaluate a prototype, product or feature from a usability perspective. Usability refers to a product's ease of utility, usefulness and operation. Usability provides a proper platform to ascertain how intuitive a product, prototype or feature is from a usability perspective.
The pivotal role of beta testing: It is conducted in the last stages of the feature, prototype or product design. The beta version (which is almost 85% to 95% completed) of a software product or application is tested by users in a real-time environment. It is one of the important components of acceptance testing, without which the quality of the product or application from a user experience perspective, may not be up to the mark.
Conclusion: The above mentioned strategies project the importance of user testing. If your organization is looking forward to implement user testing, then just get connected with a top-notch software testing services company, which will provide a step-by-step methodology to implement user testing as per your specific project needs.
