FAQs
What is the difference between user testing and usability testing
‘User testing’ is a broad term for observing how real users interact with a product to understand overall experience and identify any issues they may encounter. It is more holistic and focuses on questions about user experience and satisfaction.
The main goals of user testing are identifying user needs, evaluating their experience, uncovering pain points, and gathering user feedback.
On the other hand, usability testing is a subset of user testing and focuses specifically on how easily and effectively users can complete tasks. This method targets the product’s design, navigation, and functionality, highlighting issues that hinder the users’ ability to use the product efficiently.
What makes user testing inclusive?
User testing becomes inclusive when it intentionally involves participants with a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and lived experiences, rather than relying on a uniform group of participants.
The aim is to uncover barriers real users face and design products that work for everyone.
What are the challenges of inclusive user testing?
The main challenges of inclusive user testing are often related to planning and logistics. Recruiting participants with diverse needs can take extra time and requires extra care. Setting up accessible platforms or environments also requires additional preparation.
It is important to remember that sessions may also take longer, as facilitators need to allow flexibility, provide clear instructions, and accommodate different ways of interacting with technology.
Despite these challenges, the insights gained are far richer than testing with a narrow group, helping teams build usable and effective products.
What are common mistakes in user testing?
To ensure your user testing sessions go off without a hitch, here are some of the most common mistakes which can limit the quality of insights:
Recruiting too narrow a group – relying on internal teams or the same users, rather than a diverse mix.
Treating testing as a one-off – only testing occasionally instead of treating it as a continuous, iterative process.
Asking leading questions – instead of letting users show how they naturally interact, and leading to biased results
Focusing only on compliance checks – accessibility goes way beyond compliance, and lived experience and real barriers should also be a focal point.
Failing to act on feedback – collecting valuable insights but failing to prioritise or implement the changes needed.