Usability benchmarking measures how many people succeed at key tasks so teams can compare performance over time. Katie covers choosing tasks with top tasks when you cannot measure everything, pitfalls to avoid, and using results to guide product design.
People
Katie Taylor
Methods
Usability TestingUsability testing reveals where people struggle while attempting realistic tasks with a prototype or service. In a moderated session, a researcher observes the participant and may ask them to explain their thinking. Use it to investigate confusing language, layouts or interactions and identify improvements. Agree research questions, recruit likely users and prepare believable tasks that do not reveal the solution. Explain that the service is being tested, then mostly watch and listen rather than guiding participants. Record observations and follow up on unclear behaviour. Plan accessible sessions, including participants’ own assistive technology when appropriate.