Usability testing, also referred to as User Experience (UX) testing, is a way of determining how simple and user-friendly a software application is. To expose usability flaws, a small group of target end-users uses a software program. Usability testing is primarily concerned with the application’s ease of use, versatility in handling commands, and ability to achieve its goal.
In today’s world, usability is a top priority for all digital products. Real, consumers from all walks of life are no longer able to put up with poor usability for any reason. In today’s world, poor usability equates to a short-lived product.
This is where usability testing software comes into play. You’ll select one tool or the other depending on the nature of the product, the size of your team, and the goal you’re attempting to achieve. Each of these usability testing tools has its own set of features, they all serve the same purpose: to help you communicate with your users in their own language.
- Usability Testing Method
Usability tests come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and all of them could be a good match for your project. These factors can also determine which usability testing method is the best fit for you. Examine what makes each of them unique:
- In-person: the interviewer and the user meet face to face. This is ideal, but it could be out of reach if funds are limited or participants are difficult to come by.
- Remote: conducted over the internet with the subject and interviewer in separate locations.
- Moderated: a remote user evaluation that is overseen by the interviewer. The interviewer will ask the participant questions and engage with him or her.
- Unmoderated: Participants complete the test on their own, following pre-defined tasks and measures. These sessions are usually taped so that they can be examined later.
2. Top Usability Testing Tools for Proper UX design
Following are some of the top tools require for website usability testing tools:
2.1. Qualaroo
This tool can encourage site visitors to respond in real-time to a few targeted questions or surveys. This aids webmasters in optimizing their site’s usability. There are a variety of options and features to choose from, include but are not restricted to: Exit surveys, skip logic (which analyses a visitor’s answer before sending them a customized follow-up question), and integration capabilities with other tools including Marketo and Salesforce are just a few of the features available.
2.2. ClickHeat
Users would be able to see how the heatmap is used to show data in a special way. Unlike several other usability software, ClickHeat is available as a free open-source software server application. WordPress users can use a plugin that integrates seamlessly with their website. This means that users can collect actual information on what is going on the website from actual customers. Despite all of the advantages, one disadvantage is that the software has complex server specifications.
2.3. Optimizely
This A/B testing tool is well-known for its ease of use, enabling users to monitor both visits and conversions. Cross-browser testing, mobile website testing, geotargeting, visitor categorization, and multivariate testing are only a few of the features available. Users can use the standard plan for free, but certain additional functionality is only accessible on the enterprise plan, which is paid for.
2.4. Crazy Egg
Crazy Egg is a well-known name in the world of usability testing software. The best thing about this system is that it provides a range of documents that present the data in various ways. You can select one or another based on what you want to learn about the project. Crazy Egg’s heat maps are perhaps their most well-known feature. While that is a useful function, we really appreciate the other features of this user testing tool. Users applaud their Scroll Map function, which is ideal for determining when participants’ interest wanes on a website. This is extremely useful when determining where the call-to-action should be placed.
The Confetti Snapshots feature is another highlight. It works in the same way as a heat map, but instead of showing users an environment, it shows them specific points on the page where they clicked. Users can categorize clicks based on factors such as time spent on the web or geographical area.
2.5. Validately
When it comes to usability testing methods, Validately is one of the more straightforward options. It focuses on taking care of all the information so that the study’s organizers can concentrate on the tasks and questions. The platform allows users to sit back and clearly set the conditions for who can take the exam, while Validately takes care of the rest. It successfully hires, sets up, and conducts the test. Validately goes as far as you need it to for users who want to be more proactive. There are a few highs and lows in user reviews, it’s real. Users appreciate the convenience of their online video chats, as well as the fact that no plugins or applications are needed for participation.
Some comments say that while Validately is great at collecting data, it falls short when it comes to organizing the data into straightforward insights. This tool can present a steep learning curve for users who struggle with brute statistics and numbers.
2.6. UserZoom
In the world of usability testing software, UserZoom is a well-known name. there was a Forrester Research report with UserZoom that discovered some impressive statistics. However, when it comes to functionalities, UserZoom gives you the choice of using your own participants in studies or using their advanced search engine, which has a potential participant pool of 120 million. Users also praised the platform for its easy feedback and ability to conduct several studies in a short period of time.
The viewer search engine, for example, is a cool feature of this platform because you can customize the plan that included only the add-ons you really need for your project or business.
2.7. UserTesting
Another dominant force in the usability testing game is UserTesting. The system has some fantastic features, such as Live Conversations, which allow for the real-time back-and-forth with users. The Highlight Reel function of UserTesting appears to be one of its strongest points, according to the majority of users. Testers have very convincing points to present to skeptical stakeholders by providing video clips of critical points during the test (of confused or missing users). After all, getting everyone on board with more design changes, particularly in big companies, can be difficult.
The platform’s customer support is praised by users for its prompt responses and helpful advice when needed. Individual (up to 15 video sessions) and Enterprise plans are available (on-demand, customizable).
2.8. Loop 11
Loop11 is a usability testing tool that specializes in unmoderated remote tests and can be used on any computer. It comes with a variety of resources, including A/B testing, live website or prototype testing, heat maps, and clickstream testing. Loop11 requires users to carry their own participants, but the significant cost difference between this tool and the other usability testing tools on this list can compensate for this. Although Loop11 does not have a user database, users are free to invite as many people as they want.
It is accurate that participants would need to download the Loop11 software to their mobile devices in the opportunity to involve. It could be more difficult to find interested participants as a result of people’s resistance to having items added to their computers.
2.9. UsabilityHub
One of the usability testing tools on this list that focuses on simplicity is UsabilityHub. For example, one of their features is ease: participants are shown a page for 5 seconds. Following that, they are questioned about what they recall about the website, and all of their responses are mentioned. In the end, users are given a word cloud containing the most unforgettable items. This allows designers to make adjustments to the design in order to create a permanent impact.
One of the favorite features of UsabilityHub is its advanced heat maps, which go beyond just labeling click-density. Along with the heat map, this system gives details and information, such as time-to-click. It, like other usability testing methods, allows users to choose participants from the database or recruit their own. There is no restriction on how many individuals will participate in a study if users bring their own participants. You can list particular communities that interest you if you favor depending on their participant database.
2.10. Userlytics
Userlytics is one of the most common usability testing software programs on the market. What’s their mystery? The extensive and comprehensive sorting mechanism for each study’s participants.
Userlytics allows the user to specify not only the conditions and characteristics they want from participants but also the order in which they want them to appear. It also encourages users to take it a step further by allowing them to create screening questions that would automatically disqualify them from the report. The platform is praised by users because it goes into great detail when segmenting research, resulting in more precise performance.
The manner information is provided to users after the results are one characteristic that users did not like. The tool’s data visualization is sloppy, which could be difficult for users who aren’t familiar with figures. Other users have expressed a desire for more data to be shown on the dashboard, and some have said that setting up studies can be time-consuming. One of the tool’s major flaws is that not all features are included on all plans, which may cause some uncertainty about the pricing structure.
2.11. HotJar
Heatmaps are the main feature of HotJar, which is one of the usability testing methods. The tool also has a monitoring function that allows users to see exactly what participants are doing, as well as the ability to quickly build surveys. One of the most appealing features of the tool is how simple it is to set up. Google Tag Manager already has a HotJar tag waiting for your ID, and it only takes a few seconds to set it up. It’s just a matter of planning the study and waiting for the magic to happen once you’re ready.
One of the benefits of this user testing platform is its data visualization, which has received a lot of praise from users. It presents the data in a way that makes it simple to draw conclusions, with all of the required numbers readily available to users.
Users of HotJar can use heatmaps, transfer maps, and scroll maps. In just a few clicks, you can download and share all of the charts. Another plus is the educational content they have. Users receive emails that provide useful details about the tool and how to use it without cluttering their inboxes. The tool’s tutorials were also well received by users.
2.12. Lookback
Although Lookback isn’t one of the most well-known usability testing tools, its functionality is enough to earn it a place on this list. The tool has a number of useful features, including the ability to timestamp and take notes at specific points during test recordings. This feature was well-liked by users because it facilitated feedback about particular participant reactions. Another nice feature of Lookback is that all recordings are automatically saved to the cloud.
When we recognize the difficulties faced by teams, particularly those spread across multiple locations, this user testing tool appears to have several features that show promise. Their broadcasting feature allows teams in different places to watch the same test without missing any details due to, for example, miscommunication. Lookback is a versatile user testing tool because it allows you to conduct moderated or unmoderated experiments, as well as in-person testing at your local lab. Another nice feature is that it deals with Native Apps, allowing them to test their apps on mobile devices.
2.13. TestRail
TestRail is a well-known name in the field of usability testing software. The System has all of the traditional features of a user testing tool, such as categorization choices for filtering data and real-time data. The tool’s ability to fully replace spreadsheets has been praised by users, especially by enterprise employees. TestRail is able to collect all of the data from the experiments and studies and make it available to users through the TestRail app. Data analysis is simplified inside the dashboard or app thanks to the advanced sorting and even better screen.
New versions of TestRail are released on a regular basis, each with a slew of exciting new features. One of the most recent was their new FastTrack display. It consists of a three-panel view of test data that places all relevant information front and center.
Another significant benefit of this user testing platform is the number of integrations it provides. JIRA, Vault, GitHub, and Visual Studio Online are only a few of the main resources that help design teams collaborate. APIs are also available for any other integrations that users might need.
2.14. TryMy UI
TryMyUI is yet another intriguing method for usability testing. It allows users to test various wireframes and models in remote studies. The tool works for both websites and mobile apps, and it even has some extra features including written surveys and perception checking. This framework, like some of the other user testing tools on this list, allows users to use their own participant database or bring their own. Users that use the TryMyUI database will benefit from some excellent scanning and segmenting functionality.
All plans provide the most important essential features, such as database scanning. Others, including their UX Diagnostics feature, are exclusive to certain plans (in this case, the Teams and Enterprise plans). These extras do appear to be promising — the UX Sprint functionality is all about keeping workflows in order and comparing previous and current test results after the design has been revisited.
- It is meant for start-ups, small and medium-sized companies, and large corporations.
- Monthly subscriptions range from $299 to $1,500. Pay-per-result is also an option.
3. To Sum Up
In the world of UX design, usability testing is a must. People have high standards of all digital products these days, so usability is more critical than ever. With such a significant component of product design, it’s only natural that teams will need the appropriate usability testing method. Although the criteria for selecting a tool for your project which differ, successful usability testing tools must check a few main boxes. Hopefully, with this list of fantastic choices, you’ll be able to find the ideal match. Throughout the lifecycle of your project, usability testing can be applied in a variety of ways. Despite its inability to replicate real-life usage, usability testing is still the greatest way to ensure that your website helps users achieve their objectives swiftly and effectively. TestDel helps businesses to produce a successful product to meet the wants and expectations of end-users.
