Usability Testing Insights
User's Context
Usability testing gives a wealth of information about users and products.
It provides insights into:
User's context: Scenarios in which the product is used.
Goals: What users are trying to accomplish with the product and the problems it addresses.
Behaviors: Actions users actually take while using the product.
Pain points: Problems or issues users encounter.
Conduct a brief user interview before tasks to gather context and goals.
Airline Website Example (Context)
To understand user's context, ask about their last flight booking experience.
Occasion
Who they were booking for
Destination
Example: Reality vs. Assumption
Assumption: User booking calmly at home.
Reality: User booking on a phone during a busy commute.
User's Goals
The interview section of a usability test also helps understand user goals.
Airline Example (Goals)
End goal: Booking a flight.
Sub-goals: Finding flight dates, best prices.
User's Behaviors
Usability tests reveal user behaviors when using a product.
Examples:
Comparing prices across multiple airline websites.
Checking the latest offers page before choosing a destination.
These details are difficult to obtain just by talking to users.
Knowing these details enables the design of a better user experience.
User's Pain Points
Usability tests help identify pain points that interrupt user flow.
Examples of pain points:
A pop-up distracting from the goal of adding a suitcase.
Missing the "select flight" button.
Taking a long time to fill out a lost baggage form.
Identifying pain points allows for design refinements, leading to a smoother user experience.
Determining Product Value
Insights from context, goals, behaviors, and pain points help determine product value.
Usability doesn't guarantee purchase or use.
Observation reveals if the product helps users achieve goals.
This gauges if the product is desirable.
Questions to Consider:
Does it solve a problem?
Does it solve it better than existing products?