We conduct usability testing or a usability inspection to measure the usability of the design. Issues are identified and quantified, and the design is refined prior to release. The method used depends on a number of factors, including the precision of the findings required and the resources available.
Usability Testing
In a usability test, users use the website or application in a controlled setting, such as a lab, to complete typical tasks. A usability specialist moderates the session, sitting with user, taking notes, encouraging user to follow the “think aloud protocol.”
Usability testing has been shown to yield the most precise findings, although it requires more planning and costs more than other usability inspections. We generally recommend usability testing when the tolerance for any risk t the user experience is low or the client wants precise findings to refine the design to achieve the best results possible.
Expert Review
This is a usability inspection in which a design is inspected by a usability specialist or group of usability specialists using a set of guidelines, called heuristics, as well as best practices and the usability specialist’s experience. It’s often referred to as “discount” usability inspection because the low cost.
Visual Design
The visual design is the look and feel of the website or application. It includes color, font, style, layout, and graphics. It conveys the site’s or application’s personality and can be used to enhanced the overall usability of the site.
