Usability (User) Testing
Glenford J. Myers, Tom Badgett, Corey Sandler · 2012
An important category of system test cases is one that attempts to find human-factor, or usability, problems. Usability or user-based testing basically is a black-box testing technique. It is an important part of any development process. If users perceive, because of improper design, a cumbersome user interface, or specifications missed or ignored, that a given application does not perform according to its specifications, the development process has failed. User testing should uncover problems from design flaws to software ergonomics mistakes. It is more than simply seeking user opinions or high-level reactions to a software application. When the errors have been found and corrected, and an application is ready for release or for sale, focus groups can be used to elicit opinions from users or potential purchasers. This is marketing and focusing. Usability testing occurs earlier in the process and is much more involved. This chapter introduces the concept of user testing and describes the varied stages of the user testing process. Readers must remember that the key to successful user (or usability) testing is accurate and detailed data gathering and analysis. The data-gathering process actually begins with the development of detailed user instructions and a task list. It ends by compiling results from user observation or questionnaires.