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Usability testing

cxpartners carry out hundreds of usability tests every year. We have a user testing facility in Bristol, and portable labs that allow us to carry out testing anywhere in the UK. We also facilitate international user testing with tests taking place in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

We use testing for a range of different things. Typically it’s testing the usability of a web site and providing recommendations for improvements (you’ll really like our reports). In the last few months we’ve tested mobile phones, PC applications and prototypes (from rough sketches on a whiteboard to polished designs).

We want to make user testing relaxed and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved. Our test plans are written as drafts so that our clients have the chance to input and ensure they’re getting the information they need.

Typically we’ll use a very loose listening lab style approach to user testing; talking to people about real experiences, then get them to replay those experiences. We use think aloud analysis to get the users to open up about what’s happening and throughout we’ll be observing what they’re doing. The viewing facilities allow clients to observe all the tests – we’d really recommend that you do.

Our test facilities are also used to conduct other forms of user research such as task analysis interviews, and card sorting exercises.

How we do it

We know that guessing what people think doesn’t work. We have some other tricks, including…