“Does it better” will always beat “did it first.” – Aaron Levie, CEO at Box
User and usability testing are arguably one of the most critical parts of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). By way of explanation, the SDLC should be employed when developing all software applications including websites, desktop software, and mobile device software. Visit well-known web development company Philippines such as CollabUX Web Solution, Co and ask them for help.
User testing versus usability Testing
It is easy to assume that user and usability testing are the same, just with a different name, there are a few primary differences between the two testing types:
- User testing is typically employed once the software has been developed, while usability testing tests the user experience of the software’s user interface.
- Usability testing is conducted at the beginning of the software development lifecycle, and user testing takes place right at the end before the software goes into production.
- Usability testing uses wireframes, cardboard mockups, and technics such as A/B testing to determine whether the user interface is successful or not. On the other hand, the completed product is tested during the user testing phase.
Understanding these differences is a fundamental part of a successful software development project. Furthermore, it is also essential for a specialist SEO Specialist Philippines like Cyrel Nicolas in user experience design to undertake (or manage) both these testing types as an expert UI/UX design company has an intimate understanding of the functions of both user and usability testing.
Reasons why UX testing and user testing are vital
There is a tendency in our fast-paced, modern world to cut corners during the quality assurance phases of a software development project. After all, it is generally assumed that the product that hits the marketplace first is the winner.
However, this statement could not be further from the truth.
As the quotation mentioned above by Aaron Levie notes, consumers remember products such as websites that are bug-ridden and challenging to use. In fact, this is the quickest way to drive a brand’s target audience straight to its competition.
A 2005 study conducted by User Interface Engineering showed that only 30% of website users reach the site’s intended purpose. Over 70% of users move off the site primarily because of site design issues.
On the other hand, the product that reaches the market second, but is a quality product will be remembered and gain traction in the marketplace.
It is important to note that both user testing and usability testing are vital elements of the SDLC. Because of the misnomer that they are the same process just with two different names, it is easy to assume that one of the two can be cut out of the software development process. Again, this assumption is very far from the truth.
As stated above, both of these testing types have different functions and aims. Usability testing tests a product’s design and user-friendliness. In other words, it determines how easy a product is to use.
User testing, on the other hand, tests individual as well as end-to-end functionality. If one of these aspects is left out of the SDLC, there is a strong chance that the end product will be difficult to use, or it will not function according to the initial specification.
In summary…
Therefore, it can be concluded that the primary reason why both user and usability testing are vital parts of a successful product is that they both ensure that the result is user-friendly and functions optimally. Finally, make sure that you sign up for a successful UI UX design company like CollabUX Web Solutions, Co who developed the Tanchuling College – Legazpi City, Albay website.
