Usability testing is a must for all technology. You don’t want to release the full version of any product or software before it is fully tested for fear of any bugs that you may have missed. The creators of the technology shouldn’t be the reviewers. This is because they may overlook something that the reviewers will catch. Healthcare technology affects lives and should be taken more seriously than a simple software programming. Therefore User Experience (UX) research, is a must!
Healthcare protocols differ around the world. Each country has its own regulations and governing agent with rules where testing and prototypes are concerned. Because of this, user testing should be done in the country or area that the product is going to be used. This ensures that your focus group of users are knowledgeable in healthcare best practices for your country. If you’re performing user testing in the UK, using a company like Playbook UX that has a user testing UK testing platform will give you the information you need by providing the users necessary to perform the tasks in the test plan accordingly.
Usability Testing Can Minimize Flaws
A product with noticeable flaws will attract negative user attention. Although you’ve done a great job as a product owner, there are glitches and bugs that can only be seen through an extensive usability testing platform. Testing requires a methodical test plan to ensure that the end-user is using the product the way it was intended.
Finding glitches and flaws can be as simple as ensuring the wording is clear and concise to avoid confusion. With healthcare equipment, bugs can mean slower wait times for critical information and even mistakes in inpatient care. These mistakes can be life-changing for a patient.
Usability Testing Can Identify Consumer Expectations
There’s nothing worse than buying a product or software that is supposed to simplify your tasks only to find out that it is hard to use and confusing. This is especially true with automation equipment. Your product must have usability and learnability. Companies like Industrial Automation Solution that are tasked with upgrading existing solutions are in need of UX testing to ensure that their products are better than the alpha version. This is especially true in cases involving robotics and artificial intelligence.
Usability testing allows users from a specific audience the ability to use your product and give live feedback as they complete the program or using the product. Live feedback also gives the user a chance to voice their opinions instead of writing them down. This way no information is missed or forgotten.
Usability Testing Can Ensure Feedback
User opinions of products, especially in today’s market is extremely important. If a user gives a bad review it can change the minds of potential buyers. With the healthcare industry being so competitive getting the opinion of users is key for marketing and planning. If during the usability test, a focus group is formed of the people in the healthcare field where your product or prototype will be used, you will certainly get the feedback necessary to improve or market your product accordingly.
Usability testing is necessary and must be methodical. Trained usability assessors can determine how to properly test and document your product or software. The information collected throughout the testing phase will allow you to gain insight into how your product will be used and if there are any bugs that you need to work out before going releasing and selling your product. When your healthcare technology prototype or beta version is complete, ensure completeness by performing a comprehensive test plan.
