Usability Testing

Usability testing is the practice of evaluating a product by observing real users as they attempt to complete tasks. It is the most direct way to discover usability problems and validate design decisions. No amount of internal review can replace watching a real user struggle — or succeed — with your product.

---

Why Usability Testing Matters

• Reveals real problems — uncovers issues that designers and developers are blind to
• Provides evidence — replaces opinions with observable data
• Saves money — finding and fixing issues before launch is far cheaper than after
• Improves satisfaction — products tested with users consistently receive higher satisfaction scores
• Builds empathy — watching users struggle motivates teams to prioritise fixes

Key Insight: You are not your user. What seems obvious to the team that built the product is often confusing to someone encountering it for the first time.

---

Types of Usability Testing