When designing a user interface, it''s difficult to overstate just how valuable usability testing and research can be to the quality of the final product. It can be the difference between your app or site''s failure and success, so it should be considered from the very beginning of.

What is Usability Testing?

Usability testing is exactly what it sounds like. It''s testing and figuring out how usable you''re product is for your target customer. In the case of testing user interfaces, it means making sure the user can quickly and easily navigate your software.

Why is it Important? From the menus on an app to the console of a jet fighter, making sure your product is easy for the end user to understand is vital to both the success and longevity of your product. In fact, it can even be a safety risk if your product is poorly designed in some way. This means that usability testing should be implemented in the early stages of your product''s development, however revising an existing unwieldy interface can breath new life into a product by making it a better experience for the customer as well. Sometimes it can be difficult for a company or organization to carry out usability testing sufficiently due to lack of experience with the process. In situations like these it is prudent to hire an outside company (such as Folio1).

Usability testing is a vital part of ensuring a product will be well received by consumers, and should be a priority for any business. If you have questions or want to know more, contact us today.