Usability Testing
Usability testing is a testing technique that evaluates how effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily representative users can use a software product.
“Testing to evaluate the degree to which the system can be used by specified users with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Usability Testing?
Participants perform realistic tasks while observers identify usability issues, measure performance, and gather feedback to improve the user experience.
User focused: Involves representative end users.
Task based: Measures performance during realistic activities.
Improvement driven: Findings guide interface enhancements.
Real World Example
A government benefits portal is adding an online application form used by people with different devices, abilities, and assistive technologies.
The feature can pass functional tests while still blocking users who rely on keyboard navigation, screen readers, captions, or sufficient color contrast. Usability testing keeps that risk visible.
The tester checks the application path with assistive technology expectations in mind, including labels, focus order, error messages, and completion without a mouse.
The team releases a service that more citizens can actually use because Usability testing is treated as a product quality concern, not a cosmetic review.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Usability testing in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Usability testing to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
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