What methods do you use to test the usability of your designs before launching a product?

In my final year at college, I worked on a project where we designed a mobile app aimed at helping students manage their study schedules. Before finalizing the design, I conducted usability testing with my classmates. I created a prototype using a tool like Figma and invited them to complete specific tasks, such as scheduling their study hours. Their feedback was invaluable; they pointed out that the navigation was not intuitive. Based on their input, I simplified the menu structure, making it easier for users to access features quickly. This iterative approach not only improved the user experience but also helped me understand the importance of testing early in the design process.

While volunteering for a local non-profit, I was tasked with redesigning their community outreach website. To understand the needs of the users, I organized a small focus group with community members. I asked them to perform tasks like finding event information and signing up for newsletters. I observed their interactions and noted where they struggled. After gathering their feedback, I made several adjustments, such as adding clearer call-to-action buttons and streamlining the information layout. This experience taught me how crucial it is to involve users in the design process to create a more effective and user-friendly website.

In my first job as a junior designer at a tech startup, I was involved in the development of a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product. We utilized a combination of usability testing methods, including remote user testing and A/B testing. I helped prepare scenarios for real users to complete specific tasks on the platform. After collecting data on their experiences, we identified key areas for improvement, such as simplifying the onboarding process. Implementing user feedback led to a significant increase in user satisfaction and retention rates. This experience underscored the importance of continuous usability testing throughout the design lifecycle.