What is usability testing?

Usability testing is a technique used in user-centered interaction design to evaluate a product by testing it on users. This can be seen as an irreplaceable usability practice since it gives direct input on how real users use the system. This type of testing is essential for any interactive product such as websites, applications, devices, or software to understand the user’s experience and to make the necessary adjustments to improve product usability.

The primary goal of usability testing is to identify any usability problems, collect qualitative and quantitative data, and determine the participant’s satisfaction with the product. Unlike some other forms of testing, usability testing focuses on the actual user experience and not just on the technical functionality or code correctness of the product. Here are key points that typically get covered in usability testing:

1. Effectiveness: Can users complete tasks successfully and achieve their objectives using the product?
2. Efficiency: How much effort and time are required for users to complete basic tasks?
3. Satisfaction: How pleasant is the experience of using the product?
4. Error Rate: How many mistakes do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easy is it to recover from these errors?
5. Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design? Additionally, if the system is meant to be used on an ongoing basis, how quickly can they become proficient?

Usability testing can be conducted in various ways, including:

– **Moderated