Usability is a key part of modern software development, as user-friendly software can solve user problems efficiently and intuitively. Usability does not only mean the aesthetic appeal of the software or easy navigation – it also includes the software’s functionality, reliability and learning curve.
Why is usability important?
The usability of the software directly affects how satisfied the users are with the product and how efficiently they are able to use it.
Good usability brings many benefits:
- User satisfaction and engagement: User-friendly software increases user satisfaction and engagement. If using the software feels effortless and pleasant, users are more likely to return to it and recommend it to others.
- Improved productivity: Well-designed user interfaces help users complete their tasks faster and more error-free, increasing user productivity and reducing errors.
- Competitive advantage: User experience has become a critical competitive factor. When two software offer similar functionality, users tend to choose the one that is easier to use.
- Cost savings: A poorly designed user interface increases costs for customer support, while good usability reduces the need for instructions and training.
How can usability be studied?
Usability can be studied with many different methods, which provide developers with valuable information about the user experience of the software. These methods can be roughly divided into three categories: user studies, usability tests, and analytics-based methods.
User studies
User studies aim to understand users’ needs, expectations and challenges already at an early stage of development. Research can be carried out, for example, in the form of interviews, surveys or contextual studies, where users’ activities are observed in their everyday environment. It is important to create user profiles or personas that allow developers to understand what user groups the software is being developed for.
Usability testing
In usability testing, real users perform certain tasks using the software. This method reveals how easy or difficult it is to use the software and provides clear insights into where users may be encountering barriers. Usability testing can be carried out in different ways:
- Laboratory testing: The tests are performed in a controlled environment, where the test supervisor can monitor the user’s actions and record observations.
- Remote testing: Users perform tasks independently in their own environment, and their performance is monitored over the network.
- A/B testing: Users are presented with two different user interfaces and data is collected on their choices and performance.
Analytics and user data
Analytics-based methods use data collected from software usage situations, such as page views, usage time, bounce rate and clicks. This helps to identify problematic points and user paths in terms of usability. For example:
- Heatmap analysis: Shows which points users focus on or click on the most. This provides information on which elements attract attention.
- Conversion analysis: Measure how well users achieve certain goals, such as signing in or completing the purchase process.
Analyzing research results and improving usability
Once data has been collected from the usability studies, the results are analyzed with the development team. In this way, common challenges, user profile-specific differences and the parts of the user interface that need the most improvement can be identified. Based on the research results, improvements are made to, for example, the intuitiveness of the user interface, user paths and accessibility.
Continuous development of usability research
Usability research is not a one-time process, but should be part of the iterative cycle of software development. Users’ expectations and needs can change over time, and therefore the software’s usability should be evaluated regularly even after release. Continuous feedback collection and research enables the development of the software in a more user-friendly direction.
In summary
Usability is a critical factor in software development that affects user satisfaction, productivity, and competitive advantage.
Usability can be studied with many different methods, such as user studies, usability tests and analysis tools based on analytics. Continually evaluating and improving usability helps developers create software that not only meets users’ needs, but does so in a pleasant and efficient way.
