Mobile usability testing: An in-depth walkthrough

What is mobile usability testing?

Mobile usability testing offers a clear lens into the user experience (UX) of mobile applications and websites. Think of handing over your mobile app or website to a stranger and observing as they interact with it. This process provides invaluable insights into how real users engage with your platform, identifying both smooth pathways and potential roadblocks.

Why is this so crucial?

Can you recall a time when a frustrating app experience led you to uninstall it? That’s the power of user experience. As smartphones become our primary digital gateways, ensuring that your mobile platform excels is paramount. Here’s why:

• Rising mobile usage: Our lives are increasingly intertwined with mobile devices. From shopping to chatting, mobile is the go-to. A seamless user experience isn’t just desirable; it’s essential.
• Diverse user base: Different age groups and tech backgrounds mean varied user interactions. Mobile usability testing ensures inclusivity.
• Device fragmentation: With countless devices available, consistency in appearance and functionality is a challenge that mobile usability testing addresses head-on.

Mobile usability testing offers a clear lens into the user experience (UX) of mobile applications and websites

The ultimate goal of mobile usability testing

At its heart, mobile usability testing aims to facilitate a digital ecosystem where users feel empowered and at ease. It’s not just about identifying glitches or design flaws; it’s about understanding the user’s journey, their expectations, and their needs.

While there are tools like Testim Mobile that simplify mobile testing, it’s essential first to grasp the basics and have an in-depth understanding. By doing so, we can create an environment where every mobile user, regardless of their tech savviness, can achieve their goals on your app. While users enjoy a seamless and intuitive experience, businesses benefit from increased engagement, loyalty, and, ultimately, success in their objectives.

Usability testing methods

Usability testing offers a range of methods, each tailored to specific needs and objectives. Let’s check out these methods.

1. Direct feedback methods
   Think-aloud protocol: To perform this, instruct users to speak out loud whatever comes to their mind while using the platform. A user navigates your mobile platform, verbalizing every thought and reaction in real time. For example, a user might say, “I’m trying to find the checkout button, but it’s not immediately visible.”
2. Digital age methods
   Remote usability testing: This method leverages the power of the internet, allowing users from different locations to participate. Set up a virtual meeting, share your screen or application, and observe users as they navigate. For instance, a user in Japan might provide feedback on an app’s localization features for the Japanese market.
3. Face-to-face interactions
   In-person usability testing: Direct observation provides invaluable insights. Set up a quiet location, have users interact with your app, and observe their actions and facial expressions. For example, you might notice a user hesitating before clicking a particular button, indicating potential confusion.
4. Spontaneous feedback collection
   Guerrilla usability testing: Approach potential users in public places like cafés or parks. Offer them a quick task on your platform and gather immediate feedback. For instance, you might discover that a passerby finds your app’s sign-up process too lengthy.
5. Guided testing approaches
   Moderated usability testing: Here, a researcher actively guides participants. Set up a session, provide tasks, and ask probing questions to gather detailed feedback. For example, after a user completes a task, you might ask, “Why did you choose that particular path?”
   
   Unmoderated usability testing: Participants operate independently. Provide them with tasks and let them navigate without interference. Their feedback might reveal that they found a certain feature more intuitive than others.
6. Controlled environment testing
   Lab usability testing: Conduct tests in a standardized environment. Participants are observed through one-way mirrors or video feeds, ensuring consistent conditions. For instance, you might observe how users react to a new VR game feature in real time.
7. Context-based observations
   Contextual inquiry: Observe users in their natural environment. For example, watching a fitness enthusiast at a gym might reveal how they use a fitness tracker in between their workout sessions.
8. Advanced technology methods
   Eye-tracking test: Use specialized equipment to see where users focus. This can reveal if they’re paying attention to key features or missing them entirely. For instance, an e-commerce site might find that users rarely notice a new promotional banner.Screen recording test: Record users’ interactions. This visual diary can show you areas where users spend the most time or where they get stuck. For example, a recording might show a user repeatedly trying to access a certain feature, indicating it’s not intuitive.

In essence, each usability testing method offers a unique perspective on user behavior. Your choice should align with your research goals, resources, and the nature of your product.

Steps of mobile usability testing

Preparation phase

1. Define your objectives: Start by outlining your primary goals. Whether you aim to refine a particular feature, enhance the overall navigation, or elevate user engagement, having clear objectives will guide the entire testing process.
2. Recruit participants: Your participants should be a mirror reflection of your target audience. Consider factors like age, technological proficiency, and their experience with apps similar to yours when making your selection.
3. Choose a testing method: As we explored earlier, there’s an array of usability testing methods available. Your selection should align with your defined objectives. Additionally, budgetary considerations and logistical factors should play a role in your decision. If you’re looking for a reliable tool to implement these tests, Tricentis offers a robust solution tailored for mobile applications.
4. Prepare test scenarios: First, craft realistic tasks or scenarios that participants will undertake on your mobile platform. Subsequently, ensure these tasks emulate genuine actions a user might execute. For example, if you’re assessing an e-commerce app, a scenario could encompass locating a specific item and navigating the checkout process.

Implementation phase

• Conduct the test: Now, it’s showtime. Depending on the method you’ve chosen, this could range from intimate in-person sessions to remote evaluations or even spontaneous guerrilla testing in bustling locales. Firstly, prepare your toolkit, and then consider recording the sessions for a thorough analysis later.
• Analyze results: Post-testing, dive into the feedback. Identify patterns, recurrent issues, and segments where users consistently hit a wall. Rank these findings based on their influence on the user experience and overarching business goals.
• Implement changes: With insights in hand, it’s time to update your mobile app. This could mean a design overhaul, minor feature adjustments, or even the introduction of innovative functionalities.
• Retest: After making your changes, it’s essential to circle back and retest. By doing this, you can confirm that you’ve addressed the initial issues effectively. Moreover, it determines whether the changes unintentionally created new usability challenges.

In a time when UX can guide a products fate, the significance of mobile usability testing is undeniable

Conclusion

Mobile usability testing is a critical tool for app developers. From the outset of defining objectives to the final act of retesting, the primary aim is to craft high-performing mobile apps. The wide range of testing methods, from the think-aloud protocol to contextual inquiry, illuminate the many facets of user interactions. Applied correctly, these methods can elevate a platform from functional to exceptional.

In a time where UX can define a product’s fate, the significance of mobile usability testing is undeniable. In today’s digital age, it’s not merely an option; it’s an absolute necessity. Mobile usability testing ensures that mobile apps harmoniously cater to both business goals and user desires.

This post was written by Tansu Pancar. Tansu is a project management professional with experience in telecommunication and information technology projects.