Usability testing is a way to see how easy and effective your design is by watching real users try to complete real tasks.
It’s not about asking what people think—it’s about seeing what they do. Whether in person or remote, formal or scrappy, usability testing helps you spot where people get stuck, confused, or frustrated—so you can improve the design before it’s launched.
Best Practices
Use realistic tasks. The tasks should reflect what people actually need to do.
Test with 5–7 participants. This will help uncover the majority of issues.
Stay quiet. Watch and listen without guiding or correcting to help show how intuitive your design is.
Take notes. Write down where people hesitate, backtrack, or misinterpret.
Test early and often. Don’t wait until things are “perfect” – this feedback will help you improve.
Basic Steps
1. Choose your test goals. What are you trying to learn?
2. Define the tasks. Write clear, simple tasks based on real scenarios.
3. Recruit users. Aim for your actual audience, not just coworkers.
4. Facilitate the session. Ask users to think out loud as they try each task.
5. Observe and document. Focus on behavior, not opinions.
6. Summarize patterns. Look for themes and usability pain points.
7. Make changes and re-test. Iteration is the key.
Benefits
- Reveals where designs break down in the real world
- Builds empathy with users through first-hand observation
- Supports evidence-based design decisions
- Reduces costly fixes later in the process
Our Recommended Resources
Usability testing helps ensure that your design doesn’t just look good—it works for the people it’s meant to serve. By watching real users interact with your product, you gain insights no brainstorm or meeting can provide. It’s one of the most powerful ways to create clear, effective, and inclusive solutions.