INTRODUCTION #1

 Usability Testing and Observational Usability Testing

What is it?: Usability testing is based on a philosophy which places the user at the centre of the design process. This user centred design process involves the end user in all facets of the product's development, (initial ideas, models, prototypes, finished product, through to the upgrade). Usability testing is a method by which designers collect qualitative and quantitative information/data.

Usability testing is the method by which the end user provides feedback on the product design at these stages of development. These end users complete a set of real tasks with the product as testers observe their behaviour, expectations, and collect other empirical data. The results of the testing are then used to make changes or improvements so that the product is easier to use, produces higher user satisfaction, and/or is more useful. This process of design, evaluate, redesign/modify, retest, is referred to as iterative design. Since this process will ultimately produce more usable and useful products it should be applied to any product or part of product that will be used by peopl

There are many techniques used to conduct usability testing and observational testing is one such method.  Most methods have common goals, planning requirements, and guidelines.  The information on this web page is geared towards a type of testing that collects data from pure observation of users.