Usability Testing
01 Definition
Usability Testing meaning: Watching real people attempt tasks on a product to find where they struggle.
Usability testing is a research method where participants try to complete realistic tasks while researchers observe. It reveals confusing labels, broken flows, and hidden features. Results describe problems for the tested people and tasks; they are not proof that every user will behave the same way.
Why it matters
How Usability Testing fits the work
It surfaces real problems before or after launch, so teams fix issues based on observed behavior rather than opinions about what users supposedly want.
In context
In a usability test, four of five shoppers missed the promo code field, so the team moved it above the order summary.
Practical note
A sample of about five participants often reveals most major issues, but it measures ease of use, not reliable rates; recruit people who match your real audience.