How to do an availability test?

The usability test consists of 5 stages;

Planning: At this stage, the objectives of the availability test are determined.  It is defined what is intended to be tested. Targets are determined for which aspects of the design/product are intended to be tested. Once the target is determined, it is decided how to perform the test.

Set the user's tasks: The participant is set according to the goal set in the previous stage for the user test to be performed.  The demographic and professional characteristics of these participants are learned.

Availability Test: At this stage, actual usability tests are performed. Users are observed and interviewed. Noticing the problems that users experience is one of the most important issues. Seeing if users can't see things, go in the wrong direction, or misinterpret the rules are among the reasons the availability test took place.

Data Analysis: Data from availability tests is thoroughly analyzed to achieve meaningful inferences and improve the overall availability of your product and provide actionable recommendations.

Reporting: The findings of the availability test are shared with all relevant stakeholders, including designer, developer, customer, and CEO.

What are the types of availability tests?

The usability test can be qualitative and qualitative.

The qualitative availability test focuses on collecting insights, findings and anecdotes about how people use the product or service. Qualitative availability testing is the best way to explore problems in the user experience. 

Quantitative availability testing focuses on collecting metrics that define the user experience. Two of the most frequently collected metrics in the quantitative availability test are task success and time in office. Quantitative usability testing is the best method for benchmarking.

The number of participants required for the availability test varies depending on the type of study. It is recommended to use five participants to uncover many of the most common problems in the product.

How to perform remote and face-to-face tests?

Remote availability tests are popular because they require less time and money than face-to-face work. There are two types of remote availability tests: audited and unchecked.

Remote managed availability tests work very similarly to face-to-face work. The researcher interacts with the participant and asks him to perform tasks. However, the researcher and participant are in different physical positions. Typically, audited tests can be performed using screen-sharing software such as Skype or GoToMeeting.

Remote unchecked availability tests do not have the same interaction as face-to-face or managed tests. The researcher uses a special online remote test tool to set up written tasks for the participant. The participant then completes these tasks on their own time. The test tool provides mission instructions and all follow-up questions. After the participant completes the test, the researcher receives a record of the session, along with metrics such as mission success.

We are here to help you if you want to uncover availability issues, increase end-user satisfaction and make your system efficient before marketing your product/design. Instead of randomly selected people for you, we can identify participants that fit your audience and perform availability testing with them.