Observing users as they attempt to complete important tasks on your website is known as user testing. But do you know what are three types of user testing? They are moderated testing, usability labs and guerilla testing.

It can be simple to lose sight of the ultimate objective that motivates all the hard work: satisfying end-user expectations, after weeks or even months of software development.

However, failing to consider customer perspectives can result in time- and money-consuming reworks as well as the erosion of your customers’ faith in your company.

Three different types of user group activities are being introduced today. You’ll receive various results from each of them.

What is Usability Testing?

For creating fantastic products that appeal to your target market, usability testing is an essential tool.

Usability testing, as opposed to other types of software testing, involves a real-world potential end user of the software, not a software developer or quality assurance specialist. As a result, the functionality and usability of the software are tested in a more accurate manner without being influenced by the user’s technical or development background. Usability testing, on the other hand, places more emphasis on the end-user experience by observing or documenting their real-world interactions with the software.

The end user will carry out the tests themselves, focusing on the performance, functionality, and any other feedback on their experience that is captured during the testing, even though the development or QA team does create test cases.

The development team then takes this feedback—which can range from minor design details to major functional defects—and prioritizes them for remediation.

Also Read: User Testing Vs Usability Testing

Three Types of User Testing

There are many ways organizations can perform user testing, but three types of user testing that are more prevalent include:

Moderated Testing

An expert in facilitation, quality control, and the product itself serves as the moderator for this kind of user testing, leading testers through test cases. The moderator will gather observations and feedback in addition to end-user feedback. Both in-person and online moderated testing are possible.

Usability Labs

Usability labs are organized meetings where recruited end-user testers conduct pre-specified tests on predetermined functions. During these testing sessions, end-user preferences and behavioral data are gathered using qualitative and quantitative scales. Usability labs produce results that are more precise and thorough, despite the fact that more preparation is needed.

Guerilla Testing

In this type of testing, prospective end users are approached and requested to conduct quick (10–15 minute) sessions centered on specific test cases or objectives. Guerilla testing is relatively inexpensive because it can be as simple as approaching people in a coffee shop. The breadth, scope, and emphasis of feedback can, however, differ.

Also Read: Types of Customer Service

Why Run User Testing?

User testing’s objectives will probably differ from company to company. A lot will depend on what is being tested (for example a prototype or completed website) and what insight is required.

Broadly speaking, though the goals of user testing fall into three categories:

• Identifying usability problem areas
• Finding potential areas for improvement
• Gaining a deeper understanding of the user’s behaviour and needs

User testing offers qualitative (and some quantitative) information about how to enhance the design, functionality, and organization of websites and platforms to better serve user needs. In essence, it provides you with the information you need to refine or confirm your design concepts.

Final Thoughts on Three Types of User Testing

Once you have chosen your type of study you will then need to decide on the metrics you use to collect your data.

Knowing an end-user requirement in writing is one thing. It’s another thing to actually observe how prospective customers use and engage with your software.

To successfully complete your design, you’ll need thorough insights into end-user preferences, needs, and reactions.

Read More: Types Of Social Groups

FAQs About User Testing