Usability testing - Communicate Results and Findings - Usability Findings

7 important questions on Usability testing - Communicate Results and Findings - Usability Findings

What s a usability finding'?


A usability finding is a result from a usability evaluation that identifies some important issue, problem, or opportunity.

Why are positive findings important?

  • They make it easier to sell the need for correcting usability problems by giving a balanced view
  • They communicate to the development team which features should not be modified or deleted
  • It enables a complete view of usability to be obtained.

What should be included when writing a usability test report?

A usability test report should contain a section that describes the most important findings from the usability test and associated recommendations for improvement of the software product.
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From which point of view are the moderator and observer rating the findings?

From the test participants' point of view.
Sometimes, the severity ratings are allocated in cooperation with a domain expert.

Name the typical classification for findings.

  • Usability problem; each usability problem must have a severity rating as described in the following note.
  • Positive finding; works well. This approach can be recommended.
  • Good idea; a suggestion from a test participant that could lead to a significant improvement of the user experience
  • Functional problem; defect.

What are the typical severity ratings of usability problems?


  • Minor; minor dissatisfaction, noticeable delays, or superficial difficulties.
  • Major:  substantial delays; or moderate dissatisfaction
  • Critical; test participants gave up. Showstopper, substantial dissatisfaction or minor financial damage to user.
  • Catastrophic; existential threat. Potentially life-threatening, bodily harm or substantial financial damage.

What are the parameters influencing severity ratings?


  • Frequency: How often does the usability problem occur?
  • Impact: How badly does it hurt the user and the user's environment when the usability problem occurs?
  • Persistence: How quickly will users learn to avoid the usability problem?

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