Usability Testing

Usability testing is a technique used in user-centered interaction design to evaluate a product by testing it on users. This can be seen as an irreplaceable usability practice, since it gives direct input on how real users use the system.

Q.1 What is the best way to define usability testing?
Usability testing is a term used to describe the process of evaluating the usability of software. Usability testing is a testing approach in which the client is asked to evaluate the software's usability. It can be done by giving the consumer a software prototype and asking them to test its various features and functionality. If it's a login module, for example, the user will look to see if a forgot password link is present.
Q.2 What is the relationship between usability testing and functional testing?
Functional testing is a type of black box testing in which the application's functionality is checked and a specific input is provided to see if the desired result is produced. Not only will the application behaviour be evaluated, but it will also be checked to see if the programme meets the user's requirements. Furthermore, whether the programme can be released into a live environment is also tested.
Q.3 Create a list of the steps that are covered during usability testing.
The following phases must be covered as part of the testing process while doing usability testing: By providing input to the application, you may determine the actual output it produces. Understand the SRS, or software requirement specification, and use reviews to clear up any questions. Execute test cases to see if the application's behaviour is appropriate and meets the needs of the user. Compare the actual and anticipated results.
Q.4 What's the difference between the terms "build" and "release"?
The terms "build" and "release" are used to refer to two different aspects of software. The following are some definitions for these terms: Build: A software build is an executable file that the development team hands over to the tester. The tester can use this executable file to test the application's implemented functionality for any bugs or fixes. The testing team may reject a software build if it fails to pass a crucial checklist that covers the majority of the application's functionality. When it comes to software release, the stage when the software programme is no longer in the testing phase is referred to as the release cycle. There can be multiple builds for a software release. The software release occurs when the application is given over to the user following completion of development and testing.
Q.5 In the context of usability testing, what do you mean by bug status?
Errors in software applications are referred to as bugs. They might be in a variety of states and sorts.
Q.6 What is data-driven testing, and how does it work? Is it also connected to usability testing?
Data-driven testing is when a set of test cases is run regularly, such as on an XML file, SQL database, or CSV file. To check the result, the output or actual values are compared to the expected ones. Yes, because we need to deal with data in usability testing to evaluate website behaviour, brand perception, validate data, and so on.
Q.7 What is Automation Testing and How Does It Work? Is it possible to automate usability testing?
Automation testing is defined as the use of automated technologies to perform a test case suite in order to expand test coverage and speed up test execution. Automation testing does not require human participation because pre-scripted test cases are utilised to compare the results of prior test cases. Yes, using test cases that can be conducted repeatedly to assess product behaviour, we can automate usability testing.
Q.8 Define Stress Testing.
It is a type of performance testing in which the application is put to the test for stress or execution, which means that it is put to the test above the breakpoint and the point at which the application breaks is determined. It can occur when there is a large amount of data and a large number of users. When the load is reduced during the stress test, the application recovery time is also determined.
Q.9 What is Load testing?
Load testing is a type of performance testing in which the application is run at various degrees of load and the program's peak performance, as well as server throughput, response time, and other metrics, are tracked on the server. This testing determines the application integrity, performance, and process stability under concurrent system load.
Q.10 Describe the volume testing procedure.
Volume testing is a type of performance testing that determines server throughput and response time when multiple users are present and the database data load is considerable, and the application is put to the test.
Q.11 For website owners, what are the advantages of usability testing?
It is critical for websites since it verifies the entire behaviour and validates the input and output. It will determine whether the home page is performing as expected. If there is something lacking, the website developers are notified right away.
Q.12 What are the most significant advantages of usability testing for businesses?
It provides convincing evidence of which aspects on your website are performing flawlessly and which elements need to be addressed. It will also present a persuasive optimization plan to ensure that everything is in order.
Q.13 Describe the many forms of usability testing.
Two forms of usability testing are listed below for testing: Performance testing is known as requirement-based testing when the needs are prioritised and then the testing is carried out. The test cases must encompass all key test pathways. Business Process Based Testing: This type of functional testing is done from the standpoint of the business process. It is necessary to have business knowledge for this.
Q.14 How much testing is enough? Is it also feasible to test the software thoroughly?
No matter how detailed your test method is, it is impossible to thoroughly test software or establish its absence of defects. A thorough test that uncovers hundreds of flaws does not indicate that it has found them all. There could be a lot more mistakes that the test didn't catch. The lack of faults does not imply that there are no errors or that the software is flawless. It's possible that it's referring to ineffective or incomplete tests. You'd have to test all conceivable inputs and their combinations to prove that a software works. Consider a simple software that accepts a ten-character string as an input. You'd have to enter 2610 names to test it with every conceivable input, which is impossible. Because exhaustive testing isn't feasible, your best bet as a tester is to focus on the test cases that are most likely to uncover flaws. When you have enough trust in the software to release it and presume it will work as planned, testing is adequate.
Q.15 What is the definition of functional testing?
Black-box testing is a type of functional testing. It focuses on the software's functional requirements rather than its internal implementation, as the name implies. A functional requirement refers to the system's needed behaviour in terms of input and output. It checks the software against the functional requirements or specification, ignoring non-functional characteristics like performance, usability, and dependability.
Q.16 What is the definition of a bug report?
During testing, a tester keeps track of their discoveries, observations, and other information that can be beneficial to the developers or management. All of this information is part of a test record, often known as a bug report.
Q.17 What does manual testing entail?
A tester manually verifies the software's functionality through manual testing. The tester has a detailed list of all the test cases that need to be run, as well as the test data. They go over each case individually. They run the software as if it were for a regular user, enter the data, then carefully check the results.
Q.18 What exactly is a software flaw?
A software bug is a flaw in the software that causes it to provide incorrect results. A software tester examines the software for flaws. Bugs can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor design, careless programming, a lack of version control, or misunderstanding. Hundreds or thousands of bugs are introduced into the system by developers throughout the development process. The tester's mission is to find those flaws.
Q.19 What is the definition of a test environment?
A test environment is a server or computer that a tester uses to execute their tests. It differs from a development machine in that it attempts to simulate the actual hardware on which the software will run after it is deployed. The tester refreshes the test environment with the newest version and runs the regression tests suite whenever a new build of the product is released. The tester then moves on to testing additional features after it passes.
Q.20 What is the definition of a user storey?
Every piece of software has a certain user in mind. A user storey highlights the motives of the user and what they hope to achieve by utilising the software. Finally, it demonstrates how the user interacts with the application. It ignores the finer points of design and implementation. Instead of focusing on the particular inputs and desired outputs, a user storey seeks to focus on the value offered to the end-user. The tester constructs user personas with actual names and attributes in order to replicate a real-life interaction with the software in a user storey. A user storey can often assist uncover hidden issues that aren't highlighted by more rigorous testing methods.
Q.21 Define the term "testbed."
The term "testbed" refers to a digital platform that is used to test applications. An operating system, hardware, network configuration, database, software programme under test, and all other software-related issues are included.
Q.22 What is a Test Plan?
A test plan is essentially a live document that the testing manager monitors and controls. A well-written test plan document that outlines software testing scope and activities is critical to the success of a testing project. It basically acts as a template for the entire test process, laying out the what, when, how, and more
Q.23 What exactly do you mean when you say "test case"?
A test case is a document that contains a set of test data, as well as preconditions, expected outcomes, and postconditions. This document was created specifically for a specific test scenario to determine whether or not the software solution fits the requirements. Test cases are manually executed by a tester without the use of any automated tools in manual testing. While creating test cases, it is simple to spot flaws in the specs.
Q.24 Explain STLC.
The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a critical component of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and it is used to test software and guarantee that quality standards are met. In most cases, it includes both verification and validation activities. Throughout the software testing process, many actions are carried out in a precise order.
Q.25 What exactly do you mean when you say "test deliverables"?
Test deliverables, also known as test artefacts, are a catalogue of all the documents, tools, and other components distributed to software project stakeholders within the SDLC. In order to support the test, test deliverables are maintained and developed.
Q.26 Explain the concept of use-case testing.
Use case testing is a technique that assists developers and testers in identifying test cases that exercise the entire system on a transaction-by-transaction basis from beginning to end. It's a type of black-box testing that's commonly used in the development of tests or systems to determine acceptable levels.
Q.27 What do Test Matrix and Traceability Matrix mean?
The Test Matrix is a testing tool that is used to capture the actual quality, effort, resources, plan, and time required to complete all phases of software testing. It solely covers the life cycle's testing phase. The Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM) is a matrix that shows how requirements can be traced back to their source. It is a document that is commonly found in the form table and is used to track and explain the relationship between the project's requirements and other artefacts from beginning to conclusion. In simple terms, it corresponds to the relationship between test cases and customer requirements.
Q.28 What exactly do you mean when you say "critical bug"?
A critical bug is one that affects the majority of an application's functioning. It doesn't interfere with or prevent other elements of the application from being tested. Only when a problem disrupts the software's basic operations is it categorised as critical.
Q.29 What is UAT (User Acceptance Testing) and how does it work?
End-user testing, often known as user acceptance testing, is a testing methodology used by end-users or clients to approve a production release. It's the last stage of the SDLC, and it's only done once the software has been completely tested. Its primary goal is to verify the end-to-end business process. It verifies if the generated software satisfies all of the market's needs or not.
Q.30 What role does localization testing play?
Localization testing is a type of testing used to determine whether or not a software product is fully functional and usable in a specific area. Its sole purpose is to ensure the content's accuracy and usefulness. It's not just about linguistics; it's also about customs, herd behaviour, and other comparable aspects. It is primarily concerned with the application's functionality and user interface.
Q.31 What is usability testing?

Usability testing is a type of software testing which tests a software application on level of usability or easiness that an end user will have in using the application under test.

During usability testing, the end user is monitored by the tester or researcher, for ease of their task completion, any issue or problems being faced.

Usability testing involves monitoring the end user, usage of software application under controlled condition for improving the usability of the application.

Vskills provides learning and assessment with Government certification on usability testing at link -  https://www.vskills.in/certification/testing/usability-testing-certification

Q.32 What is usability testing in software testing?

Usability testing in software testing is a type of non-functional software testing which focuses on analyzing the ease with which end users can use the software application under test.

There are various factors which affect the end result of usability testing like skill level and knowledge of end user, number of users for testing, etc.

Usability testing in software testing plays an important role especially for end user experience and acceptance by end user.

Vskills provides learning and assessment with Government certification on various software testing at link - https://www.vskills.in/certification/testing

Q.33 How is usability testing done?

Usability testing is done similar to other software testing i.e., by following steps -

·         outlining objectives

·         prioritizing aspects to test or focus on

·         developing test cases

·         recruiting candidates as end users as per laid down criteria

·         executing test cases by noting, recording and documenting relevant information

·         analyzing test results

Usability testing is examining the end user, use the software application and understand problems faced and issues to resolve for better usage.

Q.34 What is the purpose of a usability test?

The purpose of a usability test is to analyze and point out potential usability bottlenecks is using the software application. Usability test aims to understand the end user interaction and any issues being faced by end user.

A usability test ascertains the ease in usage of the application and gives inputs for improvement in application usage by the end user. A usability test involves observing the end user while, application is used by the end user.

Q.35 What is a usability assessment?

A usability assessment is activity to gauge the ease of usage of the application by the end user. Usability assessment is conducted under controlled conditions, as per laid down criteria. A usability assessment includes application of various analytical and statistical methods like A/B testing , surveys, etc, to understand the level of ease of usage of application and ease of learning by the end user.

Q.36 What are the different types of usability testing?

The different types of usability testing are the different tools, techniques and aspects being tested under usability testing. The different types of usability testing are as

-          Validation Testing

-          Summative Test

-          Verification Test

-          Exploratory test

-          Benchmark testing

-          A/B testing

-          Accessibility testing

-          Compatibility testing

-          Eye tracking test

-          Beta testing

-          Website usability testing

-          Mobile usability testing

Q.37 Is Usability testing a functional testing?

Yes, usability testing can be functional testing if we validate the functioning of the application against the functional requirements only.

But, usability testing focuses on customer experience and ease with which they can learn and use the application.

Hence, though usability testing is not functional testing but can be used as functional testing if desired.

Q.38 How many usability tests are there?

There are many usability tests which should be tested. But as per the objectives and goal to test for, number of usability tests can be determined accordingly.

Number of usability tests to conduct depends upon various factors, which usually include

-          Time to prepare and conduct usability testing

-          End user available for usability testing

-          usability testing for speed or time to complete tasks

-          usability testing for functionality ease like how easily user learns new features

 

Q.39 How Many Test Users in a Usability Study?

5 or five test users in a usability study are usually considered as the optimum number of users but the number of users may vary as per application to test and criteria/ goal of testing

Q.40 What are the four phases of usability testing in order from start to finish?

The four phases of usability testing in order from start to finish

·         outlining objectives and prioritizing aspects to test or focus on

·         developing test cases

·         recruiting candidates as end users as per laid down criteria and executing test cases by noting, recording and documenting relevant information

·         analyzing test results

Q.41 What is usability criteria?

Usability criteria is the criterion used to measure the ease of learning and using a application under test. Usability criteria involves conducting various types of usability tests for the usability criteria, which are

-          Validation Testing

-          Summative Test

-          Verification Test

-          Exploratory test

-          Benchmark testing

-          A/B testing

-          Accessibility testing

-          Compatibility testing

-          Eye tracking test

-          Beta testing

-          Website usability testing

-          Mobile usability testing

Q.42 What do you mean by usability?

Usability means the ease of using or learning a man-made device / service / software application.

In software testing, usability testing is conducting test cases by watching end users, use the application to understand learning ease and usage ease. Usability testing includes testing of various types of tests like for compatibility, accessibility, etc

Q.43 What is testing and types of testing?

Testing is verification and validation of a product or service, as per laid criterion and to know the level to which it confirms to the laid criterion.

The different types of testing are as per classification criteria like test levels ( unit/integration) testing to be done on (UI/function) or what to test (load test / stress test/etc)

Q.44 What is UX usability?

UX usability refers to User Experience usability and it focuses on getting user a good experience, with ease.

Usability is concerned with making it easy for end user to learn and use the application.

UX focuses on delighting the user in using the application before, during and after using the application.

Q.45 How do you write a usability test plan?

To write a usability test plan, the steps are as

·         outlining objectives and goals with discussion with stakeholders

·         prioritizing aspects to test or focus on

·         short listing metrics for the test plan

·         creating usability test plan

·         developing test cases

Q.46 What is the difference between usability testing and user acceptance testing?

The difference between usability testing and user acceptance testing is as

-          usability testing focuses on ease of learning and usage of the software application whereas user acceptance testing focuses on meeting user requirements as outlined by user before development.

-          usability testing has a scope of user experience and performance by users whereas user acceptance testing is specific functional testing as per defined requirements

-          usability testing involves end users and user acceptance testing involves QA team

Q.47 What do you mean by usability testing?

Usability testing is a type of software testing which tests a software application on level of usability or easiness that a end user will have in using the application under test.

Usability testing involves monitoring the end user, usage of software application under controlled condition for improving the usability of the application.

Q.48 What is the difference between usability and user experience?

The difference between usability and user experience, is as

-          usability focuses on effectiveness, efficiency and learnability whereas, user experience focuses on satisfaction, enjoyment and pleasure.

-          usability is about ease of use/ intuitiveness and ease of learning whereas, user experience is about appealing and fun to use

-          usability is minimizing steps to do a task whereas, user experience is about making an emotional connect with user

-          usability testing focuses on what and how user do, whereas user experience testing focuses on what user feel

Q.49 What is reliability testing with example?

Reliability testing tests the software application for time period for which error free operation is given by the application under test. An example is to test an application for specific time duration for availability and functionality.

Q.50 How do you perform usability testing?

Steps to perform usability testing

·         outlining usability testing objectives

·         prioritizing aspects of usability testing, to test or focus on

·         developing usability test cases

·         recruiting candidates as end users as per laid down criteria for usability testing

·         executing test cases by noting, recording and documenting relevant information

·         analyzing test results

Q.51 What is Treejack testing?

Treejack testing is a technique, used as a part of usability testing to check how easily a topic is found usually on a website. Treejack testing checks the website structure or website tree.

Q.52 How do you conduct user testing?

Steps to conduct user testing

·         outlining usability testing objectives

·         prioritizing aspects of usability testing, to test or focus on

·         developing usability test cases

·         recruiting candidates as end users as per laid down criteria for usability testing

·         executing test cases by noting, recording and documenting relevant information

·         analyzing test results

Q.53 Is functional testing Black Box?

Functional testing is black box testing, as specific input or output is tested.

Q.54 Is UAT functional testing?

UAT functional testing expands to User Acceptance Testing. UAT is the test done by end user before accepting the software and changing to the new software. UAT is done after all other types of tests have been done like unit / integration / system, etc.

UAT functional testing focuses on testing functional aspects of the software application against the listed requirements.

Q.55 How many participants in a usability test is enough?

5 or five participants in a usability test is enough and are usually considered as the optimum number of users but the number of users may vary as per application to test and criteria/ goal of testing

Q.56 What is formal usability?

Formal usability is a type of usability testing which has defined instructions to be followed for testing. Formal usability is needed for complicated software which needs to be tested for detection and removal of usability defects

Q.57 What guidelines must be kept in mind when testing usability?

Following guidelines must be kept in mind when testing usability, are as

-          Determination of test goals should involve all stakeholder

-          Proper documentation of all steps should be done

-          Scenarios to be tested should have specific relevance

-          Test cases should be executed as per priority

-          Do not influence or assist users during testing

-          Feedback should be recorded with a neutral stance

-          Bias should be avoided

Q.58 What is alpha and beta testing?

Alpha Testing is performed before Beta Testing. Alpha Testing is done to find bugs before software release to end users.

Beta Testing follows alpha testing. Beta Testing is done to find errors but at end user.

Q.59 Who performs usability testing?

Usability testing is performed by end users but in controlled environment which is being observed and recorded by testers or researchers.

Q.60 What is sanity and smoke testing?

Sanity and smoke testing are types of software testing which are applied on software build but in different stage of software development.

Sanity testing is done at later stage of software development, when the software build is stable and checks software for new features being added, and bugs have been resolved.

Smoke testing is done in earlier stages of software development when the software build has many errors, to detect the correct working of crucial functionality.

Q.61 What is black box testing with example?

Black box testing is a type of software testing which focuses on input and output from the software application under test without considerations of how the output was generated. Black box testing example is functional testing of the software application which checks for proper working of functionality of  software application without considering how function is done.

Q.62 What are the principles of usability?

The principles of usability are

-          Focus on user profile

-          If needed make software application, accessible

-          User interface of prime importance

-          Make the interface easy to comprehend and controlled by end user

-          Focus on color being used

-          Typography should be considered

-          Group related tasks for ease in access and remembrance by end user

Q.63 Why is usability testing important?

Usability testing is important as it can spot issues in

-          usability of the software application

-          making the software application more effective and efficient in usage

-          ease of learning by existing and new users

-          garner quick adaptation by the end user

Q.64 What are the usability requirements?

The usability requirements refer to the defined requirements for usability by end user. The usability requirements is specified in various formats like specific sheet, wireframe, UI design, etc The usability requirements are essential to develop and test the software application for usability.

Q.65 Is there any certification for usability testing?

Yes, usability testing certification is at link - https://www.vskills.in/certification/testing/usability-testing-certification

 

Vskills offers following deliverables

-          Online video based, e-learning LMS

-          Hard copy to candidates residing in India

-          Practice tests for assessing your knowledge

-          Government certification

-          Vast alumni strength working in reputed software companies like Accenture, Cognizant, IBM, TCS, etc

Q.66 Is there any good link to practice my usability testing skills?

Yes, link to practice usability testing skills is at link - https://www.vskills.in/practice/usability-testing-questions

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