Glossary
What is Usability Testing?
Usability Testing is a research method where real users are observed using a product or website while completing specific tasks. Researchers note where users struggle, what confuses them, and what delights them. This qualitative feedback reveals UX problems that metrics alone cannot show.
Usability testing with real users is one of the most valuable UX research methods because it reveals friction points and improvement opportunities.
- Moderated vs. Unmoderated: Moderated testing involves a researcher observing users in real-time and asking questions. Unmoderated testing (like UserTesting.com) allows users to test remotely without a researcher present. Both methods are valuable.
- Tasks-Based: Users are given specific tasks ("Find the pricing page and upgrade to the Pro plan"). Observing how users approach these tasks reveals UX problems. If users struggle with navigation, redesign navigation. If users don't understand a feature, improve its explanation.
- Small Sample Size Sufficient: You don't need 100 users. Testing with 5-8 users reveals 85% of major UX problems. Additional users reveal diminishing returns.
Example from Flowtrix Projects
For a complex B2B SaaS product, we conducted usability testing with 8 target customers. We discovered that users struggled to find a key feature ("Connect to Salesforce") because it was buried in settings. We moved it to the main dashboard. In a follow-up test, users found it immediately. This single change increased feature adoption by 40%.
Categories:
Development
Technical
Related Terms:
Master Webflow.
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