{"id":1469,"date":"2019-04-17T21:39:20","date_gmt":"2019-04-17T21:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/?p=1469"},"modified":"2023-05-12T09:18:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T09:18:43","slug":"elements-of-effective-end-user-testing-of-your-mobile-app-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/elements-of-effective-end-user-testing-of-your-mobile-app-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Elements of Effective End-User Testing of Your Mobile App Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Neuroscience researchers have confirmed that mobile loading time is more gut-wrenching than watching a horror movie (<a href=\"https:\/\/files.stample.co\/stample-1490437638577-emr-feb-2016-the-stress-of-steaming-delays.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ericsson<\/a>). Only a few apps are downloaded thousands of times, while many languish in their stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While an app may suffer from unappealing content, in all likelihood, poor user experience (UX) is the prime reason behind low downloadability rates and limited daily use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UX incorporates all areas of end-user interaction with your site or app. Failing to do thorough end-user testing or user acceptance testing (UAT) will lead to your app lingering longer at the store or even worse, it may create a negative image of your company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This blog will discuss the ins and outs of your mobile app usability testing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Poor UX is a Killer for Your App<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked about the rationale for mobile app uninstalls, users have common complaints, among which the most frequent are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>it\u2019s very slow to load<\/li><li>it\u2019s taking up a lot of mobile device memory<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is some statistical food for thought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Only 20% of mobile apps are used after the first installation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/473841\/reasons-delete-mobile-app-usa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Statista<\/a>).<\/li><li>67% of customers abandon their shopping carts before making payments and 1 in 4 shoppers do it because of complicated navigation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shopify.in\/blog\/8484093-why-online-retailers-are-losing-67-45-of-sales-and-what-to-do-about-it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shopify<\/a>).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You are probably familiar with the experience of trying to make a purchase via a mobile app which renders no results. You press the place order button, but it just doesn\u2019t click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"723\" src=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/rW2gGk1N_T-qIJitO233mUQjFZOIzpgR-1024x723.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/rW2gGk1N_T-qIJitO233mUQjFZOIzpgR-1024x723.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/rW2gGk1N_T-qIJitO233mUQjFZOIzpgR-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/rW2gGk1N_T-qIJitO233mUQjFZOIzpgR-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/rW2gGk1N_T-qIJitO233mUQjFZOIzpgR-768x542.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The crux of the matter: the difference between a good and bad mobile experience is in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/the-secrets-to-successful-ios-app-interface-design\">quality of UX<\/a>&nbsp;which all begins with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/client-is-king-or-the-importance-of-knowing-your-customer-inside-out\/\">client<\/a>. User testing of mobile apps is part and parcel of a successful development company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is UAT?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UAT is a verification process. It helps to make sure that a software solution is functional. UAT is also called beta testing (or application testing). It refers to software development. A group of testers \u201cuse\u201d the mobile application to see how it works.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good comments and reviews are crucial.&nbsp;They help the app to be approved on the app store. Early users share their experience with the developers. Then, final touches are applied to roll the mobile app out to the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several layers of testing:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.guru99.com\/functional-testing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">functional testing<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/softwaretestingfundamentals.com\/integration-testing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">integration testing<\/a>, system testing, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usertesting.com\/blog\/what-is-remote-usability-testing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remote usability testing<\/a>&nbsp;are among many others that test applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UX testing addresses the following issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How well does the app run? Does it crash?<\/li><li>How\u2019s its functionality? Do all inputs correspond to their outputs?<\/li><li>Can the app run with only a minimum amount of resources?<\/li><li>How quickly can the app be downloaded? Let\u2019s say you have an excellent Internet connection, but the app downloads slowly. That means \u2014 your app is too complex; perhaps some of its functions need to be deleted or made lighter (simplified).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The ultimate goal: the app has to meet a user\u2019s expectations. Software artisans should avoid situations when the user:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>can\u2019t use the software;<\/li><li>can\u2019t see what they ordered;<\/li><li>have trouble using it;<\/li><li>sees the app behaving not exactly as anticipated.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why do you need UAT?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"361\" src=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ZFUVAIhLpTJSi3tjQekmz9mPzCbLXKEx-1024x361.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ZFUVAIhLpTJSi3tjQekmz9mPzCbLXKEx-1024x361.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ZFUVAIhLpTJSi3tjQekmz9mPzCbLXKEx-150x53.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ZFUVAIhLpTJSi3tjQekmz9mPzCbLXKEx-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ZFUVAIhLpTJSi3tjQekmz9mPzCbLXKEx-768x271.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s needed as the client should be left satisfied, not frustrated. The users usually become exasperated because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>the app can take an eternity to download;<\/li><li>the app crashes too often.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve all been there, right? Even if the app crashes once, we tend to uninstall it from our phone immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UAT&nbsp;verifies if the required mobile app functions are working in the \u201creal world.\u201d Tested mobile phone apps are more likely to be used on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, both the end client and the development team will benefit if the topnotch mobile app design is produced. The time input in UAT cycles increases the usefulness of the mobile App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are some benefits of UAT?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>It reduces ongoing maintenance costs.<\/strong>&nbsp;It\u2019s quicker and more cost-efficient to repair functionality and usability problems from the start rather than putting them off to the last moment;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>It grants optimal chances.<\/strong>&nbsp;It allows us to discover and repair malfunctioning features and usability issues in the beginning stages of testing. Having crystal-clear UAT goals and requirements will enable testers to monitor the app more efficiently;<\/li><li><strong>It forms an end-user vision.<\/strong>&nbsp;It is shaped outside of the developers\u2019 perspectives. Therefore, feedback can be used for future development sprints.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When all is said and done: a highly-functional app increases the happiness of end-users and, therefore, increases the app\u2019s popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Get Started With End-User Testing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"723\" src=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/X5NEun9U9iCXBiIKXtztWmahDFbYW5jr-1024x723.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/X5NEun9U9iCXBiIKXtztWmahDFbYW5jr-1024x723.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/X5NEun9U9iCXBiIKXtztWmahDFbYW5jr-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/X5NEun9U9iCXBiIKXtztWmahDFbYW5jr-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/X5NEun9U9iCXBiIKXtztWmahDFbYW5jr-768x542.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s no usability testing strategy, then it\u2019s more likely to become bogged down in user analytics. The following UX test questions help to test the application on a deeper level:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Setting parameters for your end-user testing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What questions are you trying to answer?<\/li><li>What type of metrics will you be using?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Making specific tasks for users:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It could be as simple a task as asking a user to log in.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Creating the documents with tests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Post-test questionnaires are helpful for compiling and storing the feedback.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usability.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Usability.gov<\/a>&nbsp;offers a variety of templates for such a purpose.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Recruiting user-testers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Testing your mobile app requires gathering real testers who can check your app. Choose testers who are a good representation of your market.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Implementing the testing methodology<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Lab-based tests can be a good alternative for mobile usability testing.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Reporting the usability discovery<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Presenting data with quantitative and qualitative findings and a detailed list of recommendations for improvement.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s examine the elements of design that need to be tested.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hallmarks of Outstanding Mobile App Design<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few cornerstones that constitute what is considered \u201cgood design.\u201d Usability refers not only to exceptional design but also functionality. If the design is ignored during the development process, it can lead to your mobile app being deleted or even worse; it can start generating negative reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pursuing Anticipatory Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It includes designs that anticipate ways to improve UX. The attempt is made here to anticipate the users\u2019 unconscious needs in advance. This practically means simplification of your app\u2019s UX to such a degree that you are always one step ahead of users. A user might not be aware of hidden desires for their app, but you already know them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pursuing Cognitive Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cognitive load describes how much our brain power is necessary for completing a certain task. The human brain is limited in its processing capacity and can slow down when faced with too much information. Two things have to be considered when practicing cognitive design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>We use prior knowledge to intuit possible steps for future actions when confronted with new information;<\/li><li>The only way to learn here is by experimenting and actually doing it.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prioritizing Usability Design: Decluttering<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cluttering is enemy number one of a good design. You can overload users with too much information, so decluttering needs to happen. A good designer tries to incorporate fewer buttons, images, and icons, making the app as simple as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Incorporating Familiar Components<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Predictability is the core principle of UX design. When a user\u2019s expectations are met, then the app\u2019s enjoyment increases. They feel in control of it. The intuitive approach allows us to use our prior knowledge to learn the app faster and interact with it more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Minimizing User Input<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What a joy it is when the app has smart features such as autocomplete for completing the form. We all remember the frustration of trying to fill out a form on a small screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Designing for Fingers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An ideal mobile interface has big targets for users to tap them quickly. Research shows that the ideal button size is 10mm x 100mm on mobile devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Using Visual Hierarchy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual hierarchy emphasizes the primary action on each screen. Call-to-action buttons should always be easily accessible and visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which Mobile UX Testing Tools to Use?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a multitude of testing platforms. Among such user testing tools are Userlytics, Applause, Appsee, etc. You can check a list of top automation tools in 2018&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.softwaretestinghelp.com\/top-20-automation-testing-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These tools help test different features of the app. In such a way real-time feedback is accumulated. This testing shows how to optimize the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.appsee.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Appsee<\/a>&nbsp;is a good user testing app. It allows seeing what users do with their app. Appsee\u2019s features include session recordings, heat maps, and analytics which assist in gleaning deeper access to a user\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/fw25ETt3h7o_pepgv_XgU8CpS2HntrZ-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/fw25ETt3h7o_pepgv_XgU8CpS2HntrZ-.png 624w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/fw25ETt3h7o_pepgv_XgU8CpS2HntrZ--150x92.png 150w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/fw25ETt3h7o_pepgv_XgU8CpS2HntrZ--300x185.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><figcaption> <br><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/neilpatel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/George-3.png\" target=\"_blank\">A sample of a heat map<\/a><\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All touch motions \u2013 swiping, tapping, and pinching \u2013 are constructed into the heat map. It shows designers the dashboard, and they know which parts of the screen users spent most of their time on. This knowledge from the test environment can help designers to know when to locate their call-to-actions (CTAs) more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UAT decreases the odds of issues appearing. It also reduces the amount of development and maintenance work. You\u2019ll reap rich dividends increasing customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you can go two routes from here. Either you can try to master mobile UX testing tools yourself, or you can entrust your app to a trustworthy development company. They will do the testing for you, saving your time and sparing you some trouble. What will you choose? We are\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"here (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>\u00a0to serve you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Content created by our partner, Onix-systems. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Neuroscience researchers have confirmed that mobile loading time is more gut-wrenching than watching a horror movie (Ericsson). Only a few apps are downloaded thousands of times, while many languish in their stores. While an app may suffer from unappealing content, in all likelihood, poor user experience (UX) is the prime reason behind low downloadability rates [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1470,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1469"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2593,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469\/revisions\/2593"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}