What Is User Testing & What Are the Three Types of User Testing
Tags: usertesting, usabilitytesting, softwaretesting, qualityassurance
Published: 2022-07-20 12:43:11

User testing provides a platform to assess how representative users interact with an application or product in a real-time environment. In this manner, the team can analyze what works and what doesn’t. In order to set up a valid usability test, the team needs to make sure that they understand the process of user testing. Design flaws and product-related issues from a usability standpoint can be identified with this testing method. 

> In this article, you will get a brief idea about user testing, along with the three types of user testing.

**What is User testing?**

It is a testing method where quantitative and qualitative data is collected from the test user, while the user is subject to all aspects of a product or service. Usability issues are detected at any stage of the software development process so that the overall user experience can be improved. It ensures that a great software product is launched keeping into perspective the usability, user experience and performance of a product.

**The significance of user testing:**

It is a specific process through which the functions and interface of an application, service or product are tested by real users who perform key tasks in realistic conditions. The usability of the application or website is evaluated in order to decide whether there is a possibility of launching a product for real users.

**What are the three [types of user testing:](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/user-testing)**

**1. A/B testing:** 

Through the strategic application of this testing method, the number of applications can be increased. It is a testing process wherein different groups of subscribers receive two different alternatives to an email. The key thing to note is that only one alternative of an email can be sent to each group and upon that it must be sent on the same day and at the same time. Then, customer reactions need to be tracked in order to ascertain which specific alternative has stimulated the reactions. The type of content site visitors can be known through A/B testing.

**2. Focus Group:**

It is a qualitative research technique, wherein a group consisting of approximately 8 to 10 participants will discuss on a given topic for usually a few hours, depending upon the topic and other criteria. In-depth information is obtained through this testing method about the behaviors and motivations of the interest categories.

**This method can be used in various fields such as:**

- Testing/evaluation of promotional and advertising campaigns
- The profile identification of a target group
- Testing advertisements, products, messages etc.,
- Identifying perceptions about a concept, service, organization or product 
- The decision-making process is identified through which the choice between several alternatives is triggered
- rafting a marketing strategy and advertising campaign
- Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a product/brand, concept, program etc.
- Identification of a target group or the profile 
- Identifying attitudes towards a problem, an idea or a product.

**3. Usability testing:**

This testing type focuses on ensuring that a user can easily and effectively use a webpage and navigate webpages. For an e-commerce site, website usability is considered to be a mandatory requirement. If the purpose of selling products is not fulfilled by an online store due to a lack of poor usability, then it cannot be called an e-commerce site or an online store. Several key aspects such as user journey, click-through maps and heat maps are measured using website usability testing.

**Conclusion:** 

If you are looking forward to implementing user testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a premium **[Usability testing services](https://www.testingxperts.com/services/usability-testing/gb-en/)** company that will provide you with a methodical testing strategy that is in line with your project specific requirements.

_**About the author:** I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies._