Introducing UI Testing: Our Process and Tips
Adapttech takes a multidisciplinary approach to product development, involving a diverse group of skilled professionals committed to transparency in their design process. In a previous post titled "Design Control Process," we outlined our approach to creating user-friendly products.
In this post, we will discuss their User Interface (UI) testing approach, its importance, best practices, and how they use the information collected to improve their products.
UI testing is vital to validating Adapttech's development process, ensuring that the visual and interactive elements of our software function as intended. Since Adapttech strives to maintain the same user experience standards as more commonly used software, we are also challenged to establish trust and security with our users, particularly when sensitive information is involved.
Adapttech's software and regulatory teams work tirelessly to protect patient data, as outlined in their HIPAA compliance post. However, conveying this information visually, through the UI, to the user is equally important. This involves maintaining consistency, clarity, and predictability in their UI design, ensuring proper labeling, avoiding sudden changes in typeface, and providing feedback on system status to the user.
A poorly designed UI can lead to user frustration, increased support costs, and, in Adapttech's case, a loss of trust. Hence, UI testing is a crucial component of our design and development process, as it verifies that the application meets user expectations, reduces the learning curve, and results in a more user-friendly experience.
We use several UI testing methods to gather data. An example are the tests submitted to the Motio App, in which we measure the effectiveness (how the user achieved the desired goals) and efficacy (how easy it was for the user to achieve the goal) of what we have designed.
We also conduct interviews as part of our UI testing process. After the test, we reach out to the user and inquire about their experience, struggles, and what they would improve. This practice provides a better understanding of their thoughts and opinions on the matter.
By combining both quantitative and qualitative data gathered through these techniques, we can gain valuable insights into the user's experience and identify any UI issues that need to be addressed. It can also help to identify areas for improvement in the software development process. Designers and developers can learn more about the user by analyzing the data collected during UI testing.
To sum up, here are some tips to help with User Interface testing:
• Plan and prepare: Plan the testing process and create test cases that cover all UI elements, including buttons, menus, forms, and other interactive elements.
• Find your user: Test the UI in different scenarios with the intended user.
• Search for the tools: There are various software and tools that can help with your user interface testing. Looking for them will probably open possibilities that you weren’t thinking about.
• Use accurate interfaces: You don’t need a programmed app, but a high-resolution prototype can be very useful to iterate with feedback.
• Set goals for performance: Define what would be acceptable performance (efficiency and efficacy) for your UI.
UI testing helps reduce the risk of rejection from the user and involves them in the design process. Creating an interface that helps the user rather than frustrates them is crucial.
