Usability evaluation methods

Test users are presented with a realistic scenario and a task that they must accomplish. Experts observe users during the scenarios and videotape the tests for further analysis. There are several expert methods used during and after tests such as encouraging test users to think out loud, analyzing eye movements, and recording actions made on the interface.

Expert evaluation methods

It doesn’t always make sense to arrange a time-consuming usability test for a quick checkup in the middle of a project or when the product concept is still taking shape. Expert evaluation methods are often a quicker and simpler way to get feedback on usability issues. Here are two of the most common expert evaluation methods:

Usability Inspection

Usability Inspection is a simple way of checking the basics of usability. A usability expert (or two) goes through the product and inspects it according to a predefined set of guidelines. S/he then compares, compiles, and reports the issues found. It is also common to rate the problems on a severity scale. The most common guideline is the “ten usability heuristics” by Danish usability guru Jakob Nielsen, but other guidelines and modified versions are also used.

Walkthroughs

Walkthroughs, or “cognitive walkthroughs,” offer an easy, low-resource way to check early low-tech prototypes. A walkthrough is performed by usability experts, preferably with the developers, to find out how easy it is for a novice to learn to use the user interface.

The expert “walks through” the product’s user interface, trying to complete tasks that would be expected from a normal user and asking a set of questions with each task, such as “Will the user get feedback?”

To learn more about usability methods, check out the variety of material available online, such as usabilitynet.org

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