There are a number of different methods for performing usability testing, typically the most common methods are:
Guerrilla User Testing is a low cost method of user testing. The term ‘guerrilla’ refers to its ‘out in the wild’ style. This method of user testing can be conducted anywhere e.g. cafe, library, train station etc. essentially anywhere where there is significant footfall.
Lab-based User Testing is a ‘qualitative’ research method; used to gauge how easy and intuitive a product is to use and to determine what your users actually do, rather than what they say they do.
As part of this method there are many in-depth tools, which can be used to collect information about the participants. Heat map tracking and eye tracking are two of the most commonly used. These will provide information of where the users eyes are focusing and where a user has clicked.
Focus Groups involve unstructured interviews or group discussions. Interviews and group discussions are both facilitated by a trained moderator using a specially designed topic guide in order to ensure the discussion is focused and keeps on topic..