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Usability analysis is a methodology that consists of the test of a website, application and other digital products. This test is carried out by observing real users while performing tasks in the application — most of the time, this observation is carried out by professionals specialized in UX.
The focus of the usability analysis is to identify problems and situations that can cause confusion for the user — in addition to opening room for improvements in the experience, with opportunities that are only discovered during the use of the site, by users who represent the target audience.
So that you understand the importance of usability analysis and how it should be executed, in this post, we bring a guide on the subject. Check out!
Why is usability analysis important?
The usability analysis is done from tests performed by real usersthe objective is to identify problems that professionals directly involved in website development cannot identify.
By bringing real users to test your site, you will be able to identify, among other things:
- if they understand how your site works or if they are ‘lost’ or confused;
- whether they can complete the key actions they need to smoothly;
- if they found bugs or usability issues;
- whether they are having a functional and efficient experience;
- among other possible usability problems.
This is a type of search primordial for the viability of new digital products and its updates, because without this reference, your site may be trapped in a design process focused on the internal experience of designers and other team members, but the target audience will not understand.
What should be evaluated in a usability test?
Now that we understand what is a usability test and its importance, let’s go deeper into the topic, carefully analyzing what are the main parameters of this type of test. See below!
System effectiveness
One of the main points to be evaluated in a website usability analysis is the effectiveness of the system, that is, whether it is feasy to learnif it is useful, if it adds value to your audience and if the interface is aesthetically pleasing — content, colors, images, icons, etc.
step reduction
When we talk about reducing steps, we are referring to the amount of navigation required for the user to get where he wants to go. Your website cannot become a labyrinth where you have to click on several links and scroll to the end to find what you are looking for.
It is necessary, in addition to a uniformity of screens/pages of the site, present a search bar to speed up searches and offer menus at the top of the screen that cover as many options as possible.
data accuracy
The site must present an interface with updated information and linkspreventing the customer from encountering outdated emails, incorrect address information, and broken links that lead nowhere.
ease of use
The controls used must be self-explanatory and must not require training for their operation. The website itself must offer help so that users have a better understanding of how it works.
How to do usability tests?
In the lines below, we will understand how to do a usability test, in a complete process with well defined steps. Keep reading to understand each phase.
Phase 1 — Planning
In this phase, the objectives of the usability test are outlined, such as, for example, the number of users to be analyzed. It is also necessary to define the functionalities that will be evaluated and what are the website goals.
It is also important to assign tasks to testing users, so that they do not fail to test anything that is important. In this phase, the usability test method, the demographic requirements of the users and the format of the test report are also defined.
Phase 2 — Recruitment
In this phase, the recruitment of testers is carried out according to what was planned in the previous stage. It is important that users are within the demographic profile and default professional — whether they should be students, professionals in a specific field, retirees, etc.
Phase 3 — Usability Testing
This is the phase where, in fact, the usability test is carried out, with the testers evaluating the parameters defined in planning.
Phase 4 — Data Analysis
After performing the test, the data obtained must be analyzed in detail so that there is problem identification significant, This data will serve as a basis for problems to be fixed in search of better usability, and also for all possibilities for improvements to the site to be observed.
Phase 5 — Issuance of the final report
After data analysis, the final report is issued and must be delivered to all interested parties — designers, developers, UX analysts, CEO, etc. At this time, a usability analysis will be carried out.
What are the main types of usability testing?
While there are many ways to test the usability of a website, there are two types that stand out, two techniques that allow a transparent and reliable analysis. In the lines below we will understand in detail how they work. Check out!
Lab usability testing
As the name suggests, this type of test is made in a lab, in the presence of observers. The users responsible for the tests receive the tasks they need to perform, and the role of the observers is to take notes on the behavior of these users and report the result of the test. For the test to occur satisfactorily, the observers must remain silent during the period, without interfering.
Remote Usability Testing
In this test model, observers and testers are not in the same environment, that is, the user must access the site and perform the assigned tasks remotely. It is important to have software capable of capturing the tester’s facial expressions during the period, as this data is also important for the final evaluation. Finally, the observer will collect the test data and deliver it to the sector responsible for the analysis.
We hope that, after reading this post, you have understood what is usability analysis and the importance of tests for it to be successful. Understanding how the user deals with your website, their challenges and demands, will make a big difference for you to improve your application more and more, making it fluid and functional.
Did you like the post? So continue on our blog and check out the top 8 metrics you should measure on your website.
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