Web design comes in several packages ranging from the out-of-the-box to the fresh-out-of-the-oven. Difference between the two is that ones catered to be visually astounding while not user-friendly and the other is highly user-friendly while strikes balance between its aesthetic value. However, I’m not saying that out-of-the-box or fresh-out-of-the-oven web design can’t be a total failure as well.
So what’s one of the best ways to find out if you have succeeded? It’s called user testing. While very uncommon to many Malaysia agencies and teams, user testing is all about…your users.
Note that I said users and not your customers. Why? It’s because we need a general audience from all walks of life. If we deliberately found a group of testers who are most likely your customers, the website would be one sided. New users who’ve never bought your product before would find they’re in an unfamiliar environment.
User testing your web design is really great and it doesn’t even need a working website. Yes, you can even use screenshots of your design. What’s important about user testing your web design is the interaction and overall experience. It’s not so much the ‘wow’ factor but more of the ‘i get it’ factor.
A highly user-friendly web design allows your users to understand and use the system without too much thinking. This is one of the things Steve Krugg talks about in his book; Don’t Make Me Think, which I highly recommend to web designer/developer who hasn’t read.
So how do you go about user testing your web design?
Well, the homepage is the most important landing page in all of your website. If you fail to communicate these criteria on your website, you’d better start worrying:
- What do you do?
- What is the website about?
- How are you different?
If you allowed a user to view your homepage design for 60 seconds, can they answer the questions accurately or very closely? Don’t worry, after reading about the Top Ten Landing Page Tips you’ll have a better idea on how to improve your homepage.
One of the common and repeated mistakes web designers make with the homepage is the lost of branding. Yes, the designer places your logo on the top left. But does that logo go with the rest of your website or does it stick out like a sore eye?
User testing your web design isn’t all costly but it does take time to perform. It’s process is additional to complete your project but the results are outstanding. That’s why user testing is not done at the last minute.
It’s advisable to do user testing as an ongoing process of your website project. Find the weaknesses before you make more for yourself.
p.s: Don’t forget about your other homepage.
[tags]user testing, web design, homepage design, Steve Krugg, Don’t Make Me Think, Landing page[/tags]