UsabilityWorks tests software products and websites using real users to identify practical usability and accessibility problems. Usability Testing with Real Users can take place at all stages of development, from early designs, through prototypes to the finished product.
We recruit testers to match your audience profile, and observe and record them as they use your software or website, both generally and following a series of pre-determined tasks. After analysing the observation and usage data, we provide you with a report outlining our findings.
The testing, analysis and report process normally takes around a week for a standard test, although this may vary according to your specific needs and requirements.
The Testers
We locate testers within the target audience profile of your software product or website.
We recruit our testers from a variety of sources, including market research and recruitment agencies.
Before Testing
We discuss your software product or website with you to establish whether you are interested in its general usability, or if there are more specific areas of concern which need investigating.
We learn about the target audience for your product or website to enable us to recruit appropriate testers.
Testing
Stage One - Preparation
We prepare the usability test for your software product or website according to your requirements and concerns, addressing any likely problem areas, and drawing on our own extensive experience.
Stage Two - Real User Testing
Our standard test involves between 5 and 7 testers, although we can test using more people where appropriate. The tests are usually carried out at our testing facilities. The tests are individual sessions with a UsabilityWorks representative.
Testers are set a series of tasks, and their comments, behaviour and software use are recorded using sound recorder, video camera and state-of-the-art observation software.
Stage Three - Analysis
From the information gathered we generate a usability test data report, which, together with observations collected during the usability test, we then analyse.
Stage Four - Report
Using the data report and observation analysis, we produce a usability testing report, making recommendations and suggesting solutions to identified problems.
What You Receive
You receive a full written and audio-visual usability testing report consisting of:
- Summary: A summary highlighting the primary areas of interest and concern.
- Findings and Explanations: A detailed analysis of the test results, examining any usability problems that became apparent during the test. Problems are graded in terms of usability significance.
- Recommendations: We make recommendations and suggest solutions for any problems identified during the Usability Testing.
- Usability Testing Data: We provide the Usability Testing information we gather, consisting of numerical data, user commentary and behavioural analysis.
- Audio-Visual: We provide a CD-based video of the test sessions to illustrate points and observations made in the report. Seeing examples of users actually using and commenting on software products and websites can provide an invaluable insight into usability issues.
- Presentation: We can provide a screenshow presentation of the Usability Testing results for your own use, and on request, we can also personally present our findings at your offices or at our premises.
