Chapter 27 -- User Testing

Chapter 27

User testing is when you witness real users operating your program to perform realistic tasks. User testing can be performed in a formal usability lab equipped with a test room and an observation room separated by a one-way mirror and soundproof walls, with the test user's every action recorded with multiple video cameras. Or user testing can be performed in any room equipped with a table, a computer, and a couple of chairs. The environment doesn't matter that much. What is important is that a real user is testing the program and someone is watching.

In Chapter 8, "Users Aren't Designers" I pointed out that there is a limit to what users can do to help you in the design process. Users can't tell you how to design your software, but they can tell you if a design has usability problems. They can tell you whether they understand the software, whether they can perform tasks with it, and whether they are confused or don't know what to do next while using it. They can also tell you if they enjoy using the program. User testing is the best way to obtain this information during the development process.

TIP

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Users aren't designers, but they can tell you if a design has usability problems.