What is usability testing?
Usability testing is a research method in which real people try to complete tasks on a website or app while you observe, so you can see where they struggle. It reveals problems that analytics alone can't explain.
Last reviewed .
How a usability test works
You give participants realistic tasks, such as finding a price or requesting a quote, and watch what they do. Many ask people to think aloud so you hear their reasoning.
Tests can be run in person or remotely, with a moderator or on their own.
How many people to test
Small groups can reveal many of the main problems, since the same issues tend to appear repeatedly. Run several rounds with changes in between instead of one large test.
Usability testing and CRO
Analytics shows where people drop off, and usability testing shows why. The insights give you stronger ideas to test with A/B tests than guesses would.
Common questions
What is the difference between usability testing and A/B testing?
Usability testing is qualitative: it watches a few people to learn why they struggle. A/B testing is quantitative: it measures which version performs better across many visitors.
How many users do you need for usability testing?
A small group, often around five per round, can surface many major problems. Repeat the process after making fixes to find what remains.
Can you do usability testing remotely?
Yes. Remote tools let participants complete tasks on their own device while their screen and voice are recorded, which makes it easier to reach more people.
When should you run a usability test?
Before a redesign to find existing problems, during design to check new ideas, and after launch when metrics show unexplained drop-off.
Want help putting this to work?
Tell us where your marketing stands today, and we'll show you what to do first.