A usability test allows us to identify users' difficulties in using a website, intranet, mobile device or software.

What is a usability test?

A usability test consists of the analysis of the main elements (information architecture, design, etc.) of a website, intranet or software, through the interaction with real users (customers, employees, etc.).

The objective of this type of test is to identify usability problems and to suggest possible solutions to optimise the interface, creating a better experience with users and, as a consequence, improving the chances of success for a website, intranet or application.

A test like this provides short-term and long-term results. The immediate result is a list of general and specific ideas to execute improvements.

The long-term benefit is a better understanding of how to design interfaces that will be easier to use, based on information given by end-users.

The usability test allows us to obtain the following benefits:

• Minimisation of production costs. Total time and cost of development will be reduced by identifying usability flaws and correcting them before a website is launched, avoiding re-design and reducing the number of changes required in the interface.
• Improvement in the quality of the product. User-centred design results in better quality and more competitive products in a market that demands easy to use products.
• Reduction of maintenance and support costs. Systems that are easy to use require less training, less customer support and less maintenance.
• Reduction of use costs. Better usability improves users' productivity. It allows better use of time and better use of the whole system.