Usability


“User Experience” and Usability Methods…

Although Web sites are most widely associated with Usability Interface (UI) testing, essentially any product that is “used” by consumers may be tested for intuitiveness and customer satisfaction…

  1. •For example, Susan Reale has tested “other” products, such as computer wrist rests, laptop carry cases, wireless download interfaces, children’s toys, product instructions, security locks and even tools used for autopsies…

  2. •Usability Testing may be performed at any point before, during or after a product is developed to ensure it is in tune with the users’ expectations.

  3. •Regardless of the type of product, a good UI test will capture feedback from users and discover how satisfied they are with a product/interface. The primary goal of usability testing is to uncover any issues encountered by ‘typical’ users of the product, so that these problems may be remedied. Including user feedback in the design process aids in the creation of products that people feel confident using which, in turn, reinforces their positive impression of the company/brand.

  4. •Oftentimes, product/Web developers are too close to their product to see the issues that users may see, and even the most obvious “faults” are seen only by the unbiased eyes of a user. Additionally, users do not always understand or agree with the designers’ intent, and may find that the product design/content is confusing or they do not use the product’s features as the developers had envisioned. Enhancing users’ (and potential customers) satisfaction is made possible by assessing:

  5. •The design ‘look and feel’

  6. •Ease/difficulty of navigation to find information

  7. •Content evaluation: readability, clarity, effectiveness – how “readable” is your text?

  8. •Intuitiveness of functionality/features offered

  9. •Users’ perceptions of iconology and terminology – for example a product’s usage instructions