What methods do you use to test the usability of a product before it is launched?

During my final year project, we developed a mobile app designed for student organization management. To test its usability, we conducted focus group sessions with fellow students who fit our target demographic. We asked them to complete specific tasks within the app, observing their interactions and gathering feedback on their experience. This direct engagement helped us identify areas where users struggled, such as navigation issues and unclear features. We iterated on the design based on their input, ultimately improving the app’s usability before our final presentation.

While working part-time at a local café, I noticed customers often had difficulty understanding the menu, especially with new items. I initiated a simple usability test by asking regular customers for their thoughts on the menu layout and item descriptions. Based on their feedback, I suggested a redesign that included clearer descriptions and visuals. After we implemented those changes, we saw an increase in customer satisfaction and orders for the new items, demonstrating the impact of usability testing in a real-world setting.

In my first job as a junior product designer, I was part of a team developing a website for a retail client. We ran A/B tests comparing two different layouts of the homepage. By analyzing user engagement metrics and conducting surveys, we gathered insights on which design resonated more with users. This data-driven approach allowed us to make informed decisions that enhanced the website’s overall usability. The project taught me the importance of balancing user feedback with analytical methods in product design.