You want to

• Perform a redesign, undertake a new development project or improve the user interface of an existing product
• Know if your application has usability problems: for example, problems related to navigation, terminology, ease of learning and the general user experience
• Be accompanied by leading experts in the User Experience

With usability testing, you can evaluate the following aspects of your application:

• Ease of learning
• Ease of comprehension
• Ease of navigation
• Whether all available functionalities are used
• User satisfaction

Methodology

• We reproduce the natural context of the task as precisely as possible while asking users to think out loud as they perform the task.
• We apply a rigorous protocol developed over the course of 15 years of experience in industrial projects and R&D.
• The tests can be performed at any phase of a project. However, because it is less expensive to apply changes at the beginning of a project, it is recommended to perform testing as early as possible.

We offer a choice of three testing approaches:

1. On-site tests (more natural)
   These tests are performed in the user’s work environment.
2. Laboratory tests
   Participants go to a neutral location (our laboratory or a room at the client) to perform the tasks.
3. Remote tests
   Participants can perform these tests from the comfort of their home or at work in a distant location. Data are collected remotely.

Since 1998, Cognitive has been a pioneer of remote testing. We have refined a software application for remote work.

Deliverables

• Graphical report (with screen captures and video extracts) describing usability problems experienced by users. Recommendations in graphical format make it easy to understand and apply the recommendations.
• A CD-ROM with the video clips is also provided.

Time requirements

• Rapid usability tests: 2 days
• Usability tests and report: Usually 1 to 2 weeks