Usability Test

Usability test examines the extent of effectiveness, productiveness, and satisfactoriness of use experience provided by the use process in the scope of predetermined objectives and criteria. What a subject product aims, its characteristics, and its user profile are determined in preliminary meetings with the manufacturer what a successful use means in this context is then defined. According to this definition criteria to be considered are determined and test methods are chosen.

Physical Tests – In order to examine physical difficulties experienced during use of a subject product, EMG; motion analysis; muscle strength measurements; and tireness analyses are some of the methods used. These tests are carried out at METU Biomechanics Laboratory, which is in collaboration with UTEST.

Cognitive Tests – These tests are carried out in order to examine the cognitive factors in product use, such as perception, error, and learning. These methods are widely used for evaluating usability of products that require cognitive effort in use. Basically, the user is asked to carry out certain functions in a determined use scenario. The use experience is analyzed according to preset criteria and interpreted quantitatively.

The usability tests are very powerful when compared to other methods since they are carried out in a real or almost real use environment with real users. Usability tests can be carried out either in laboratory or in real environment when the use environment is critical.