Website Usability Testing Types Beginners Should Know
Organizations develop websites or use the help of professional developers to provide fully functional sites to their target audience. A perfectly seeming site might not get too much traffic due to hidden or unacknowledged functional issues. Conducting regular site maintenance can help fix such issues.
Most site owners prefer usability testing to get a deeper insight into the issues and fix them once and for all. However, your website can develop issues with the passage of time, even if it was functioning perfectly earlier. Therefore, you should pay equal attention to usability testing and regular maintenance to achieve your goal.
Keep scrolling down this article to explore website usability testing types beginners should know and utilize them well to improve website functionality.
Top 7 Types of Website Usability Testing You Can Use
Exploring website usability is necessary to identify the issues and employ definite measures for resolution. However, there is no one specific method to get it done. You can explore various types and implement the one which seems the best to you.
Here are the major types of website usability testing you can use to identify the issues as well as employ strategies to fix them.
1. Usability Lab Testing
Usability lab testing is the first type of website usability testing you can use to get the desired information. As the name suggests, it is conducted in a lab with a limited number of responders. The authorities ask them to perform some functions and describe their experience. The effectiveness of such testing is not often credible due to controlled conditions. Some site owners contact the website service providers and let experts take care of everything so they can offer a perfectly functional site to their users.
2. Guerilla Testing
Guerilla testing is another common type of website usability testing that beginners should be aware of. In this type of testing, the authorities randomly approach the general public to go through the website and share their experience and difficulties. Such testing is usually conducted in public places, and the participants are offered incentives. However, the results are often unreliable as people do not like being interrupted, and responding time is limited.
3. Screen or Video Recording Testing
Screen or video recording testing is another type of website usability testing you should know about. In such testing, the authorities record the screen or audio and video of the responders. They pay close attention to how the users approach the site and the time spends on various aspects. The recording of screen, audio, or video helps them review it, again and again, to gain insight into the testing and explore the elements they can explore.
4. Remote vs. In-Person Testing
Remote vs. in-person testing is another crucial type of website usability testing you must be aware of. It is the one that is conducted off-site or at the location of the responders. They are liable to use their own systems and do not get much support. On the other hand, in-person testing is conducted by inviting the responders to the location or premise of the authorities. The responders can get technical support, devices, and other incentives from the authorities.
5. Moderated vs. Un-Moderated Testing
Moderated and un-moderated testing is another critical type of website usability testing. As the name suggests, moderated testing is the one in which a moderator walks the responders through the testing process and asks for their opinion on certain matters. On the other hand, in the case of un-moderated testing, there is no external support, and the responders share their firsthand experience with the website, which helps authorities to improve its functioning.
6. Contextual Inquiry
Contextual inquiry is another significant type of website usability testing you should be aware of. Such testing takes place in the natural setting or atmosphere of the responders. They usually explore the website according to their own need and requirement, and the authorities contextually inquire about their experience. Such testing is often more effective and reliable as the responders share what they find helpful or tricky, which gives a detailed insight to the authorities.
7. Usability Testing Partners
Usability testing partners are the last type of website usability testing you can put to use for maximum benefits. Website owners utilize the help of professionals in the field and partner up with them to conduct thorough testing. They utilize expert skills, scenarios, and testing conditions to get the perfect results. You can even contact the Dubai website maintenance service provider and let experts conduct testing as well as resolve the issues to ensure smooth website functioning.
Are you facing issues with usability testing?
It is more common among site owners who lack technical skills and expertise. However, it does not mean you should suffer because of it. Contact and consult professional website maintenance service providers like SpiralClick Web Technologies and let experts handle everything for you.