Enhancing Usability Testing through User Tours in Mobile Testing

Learning Hub 2023-08-24 11:49 17

This article explores the importance of user tours and highlights several user categories that can be considered during these tours.

User tours are a highly effective method for discovering usability defects during mobile testing. In a user tour, testers interact with the application in the same way that its end users would, which helps identify issues that might have been overlooked during more formal testing processes.

Several general user categories can be considered when performing a user tour, each with its own unique needs and behaviors. Here are a few examples:

1. Novice Users:

These are users who are new to the application. They may not be familiar with the app's features or how to navigate it. When performing a user tour as a novice user, testers should pay attention to the onboarding process, the intuitiveness of the user interface, and the availability of help resources.

2. Regular Users:

These users have a good understanding of the application and use it frequently. They're familiar with the main features but may not use all of them. When performing a user tour as a regular user, testers should focus on the core functionality and performance of the app, as well as any features that are used daily.

3. Power Users:

Power users are very familiar with the application. They make full use of its features and may use the app in ways that the developers didn't anticipate. When performing a user tour as a power user, testers should try to use every feature of the application, including any advanced or hidden features.

4. Infrequent Users:

These users don't use the app very often, so they might not remember how to use all of its features. When performing a user tour as an infrequent user, testers should focus on the intuitiveness of the user interface, as well as features that help users remember how to use the app, like tooltips or help sections.

5. Accessibility Users:

These users have specific needs due to disabilities or impairments, such as vision or hearing loss. When performing a user tour as an accessibility user, testers should ensure the app is accessible and complies with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

By performing user tours for each of these categories (and any others that are relevant to your application), testers can help ensure that the application provides a good user experience for everyone.

During a user tour, it is common to categorize users into various groups to ensure comprehensive testing of usability. Some common user categories for performing a user tour are as follows:

Ordinary Users:

These users represent the majority of people with average skills and knowledge of mobile devices and technologies.

Users with Limited Technological Proficiency:

This category includes individuals, typically seniors, who may struggle with modern devices and technologies.

Teenagers:

Teenage users are often impatient and active, frequently utilizing multiple software products simultaneously.

Children:

Nowadays, even young children are exposed to mobile devices and software. Children are curious, active, and quick learners. They are attracted to bright visuals, sounds, and engaging interactions.

Ideally, the user tour should involve representatives from each user category to simulate real-world usage scenarios. However, if that is not possible, testers can simulate interactions based on the behavior and preferences of users in the defined categories.

Conclusion:

User tours play a crucial role in mobile testing as they provide valuable insights into the usability of an application from various user perspectives. By considering user categories such as novice users, regular users, power users, infrequent users, and accessibility users, testers can ensure that the application meets the needs of a diverse range of users. Incorporating user tours into usability testing enhances the overall user experience and helps identify and address usability defects more effectively.

Incorporating user tours into usability testing enhances the overall user experience and helps identify and address usability defects more effectively. With WeTest, a leading provider of comprehensive testing solutions, testers can seamlessly conduct user tours and gain valuable insights into the application's usability. By simulating real-world usage scenarios and considering different user categories, WeTest ensures that your mobile application meets the needs of all users, resulting in a superior user experience.