Here's an example of the "user testing" discussed in Episode 65. This is the result of a brief search for "website user testing services." The site below is a good example of what I would look for in a testing service:
An explanation of benefits and expectations
A description of the service and prices
A satisfaction guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is website usability?
Website usability refers to how easy and enjoyable it is for people to use and navigate a website. Think of it as the friendliness and simplicity of a website that makes it a breeze for beginners to find what they're looking for.
Imagine you're visiting a new city and you need to find a specific shop. Usability is like having clear signs and a map that show you the way. It helps you quickly understand where to go and how to get there without feeling confused or lost.
On a website, usability means that everything is organized and easy to find. It's like having a well-arranged store where products are neatly displayed and labeled, so you can easily find what you need. You don't want to spend a lot of time searching or feeling frustrated, right?
A user-friendly website has buttons, menus, and links that are easy to understand and use. It's like having clear road signs or buttons that tell you where to go next. You want to be able to click on things and explore without any trouble or confusion.
Website usability also means that things happen quickly and smoothly. You don't want to wait forever for a page to load, just like you don't want to wait a long time for a video to start playing. A good website is fast and responsive, like a well-oiled machine.
Lastly, usability considers everyone, including people with different abilities. It's like having a building with ramps and elevators that make it accessible to everyone, including those who use wheelchairs. A user-friendly website is designed to be easy to use for all people, regardless of their background or abilities.
So, website usability is all about making websites easy, organized, and enjoyable to use. It's like having a helpful friend who guides you through the website, making sure you find what you need without any confusion or frustration.
What's the difference between usability and user testing?
Usability testing and user testing are closely related but differ in their focus and scope.
Usability Testing: Usability testing is a method used to evaluate the overall usability and user-friendliness of a product, such as a website or application. It involves observing users as they interact with the product and performing specific tasks. The primary goal is to identify any usability issues, challenges, or areas for improvement in the design, layout, navigation, and overall user experience. Usability testing focuses on evaluating how well the product meets the needs and expectations of its intended users.
User Testing: User testing, on the other hand, has a broader scope and can encompass various methods to gather feedback and insights from users. User testing can involve usability testing as a component, but it also extends to other aspects such as gathering feedback on features, understanding user preferences, assessing user satisfaction, or evaluating the overall user journey. User testing aims to understand user behaviors, attitudes, and needs to inform the development and improvement of the product.
In essence, usability testing is a specific type of user testing that specifically focuses on assessing the usability of a product. It examines how well the product functions, how easily users can achieve their goals, and what challenges or frustrations they may encounter during the process. User testing, on the other hand, takes a broader perspective and can include usability testing as well as other methods to gain insights into the user's experience and preferences.
Both usability testing and user testing are valuable approaches for collecting feedback and improving products, and the specific methods chosen depend on the goals and requirements of the testing process.