It’s easy to think that as long as your app has a valuable purpose, thousands of users will come for it. But it’s not always so. With so many mobile apps in the app store, the competition is huge.
Understandably, how you, as the developer, will appraise your app will be different from how a new user would. So, although it may seem expensive, irrelevant, or time-consuming, user testing is a crucial part of the mobile app development process to ensure it’s largely accepted in the market.
Knowing how vital app user testing is, how can you execute it effectively yet without breaking the bank?
1. Start with a few users
Although thousands of users will provide a broader evaluation of your app, a smaller group can also reveal abundant insight.
This small group of 5-10 users should typically comprise your ideal testers. Learn from their feedback to know how to improve the mobile app. Then redesign using that feedback, and consider using a new test group afterward.
2. Test your app across devices
App user testing should be done across various devices, as different devices offer varying user experiences.
Of course, how android screens flow differs from what an iOS user will experience, and tablet users will typically perceive the interface differently from smartphone users. Testing across these devices will provide a more comprehensive appraisal of device behaviors.
3. Conduct effective tests with a mobile testing platform
Want your app to be mobile-centric and fulfill all mobile-first requirements to delight users? Consider utilizing a mobile testing platform built to improve your product. Things like performance capabilities, mobile-first, and product stability will be looked at and appraised.
The purpose is to make your app better all around, to ensure you deliver an app that will be well-accepted and delivers an exceptional user experience when released the first time.
4. Make app testers out of your connections
Want to go the easy and cost-effective user testing route? Consider making use of what you already have. Rather than soliciting people to test your app, present it to your friends, coworkers, email list, and social media followers.
You’ll also meet many people at the bar and other random folks off the street. Offer them free coffee for a few minutes of their time to try out your app. One way of achieving effective and honest user testing is by having strangers do it for you.
5. Test your app in the ideal environment, with ideal users
While you may think you need fancy equipment and a sophisticated lab for your app testing, that’s not always the case. Try it out in its real-world environment instead.
For example, if your app helps people order rides, it’s advisable to test it on the streets, where you’ll see many users needing a ride.
6. Consider using a usability testing app
Apps like InVision UX Recorder and User Testing will allow you screen-record the app as it’s been used by testers. Such videos will provide insights into what screen users end up navigating to, where they have problems, and if they have a smooth experience.
Some apps can also video the user, showing you their facial expression (whether happy or frustrated) when interacting with your app. So, you want to record the app screen, video of the user, and audio to know their thoughts and feelings.
So, there you have it! Six clever ways to do authentic and effective mobile app testing. Remember, a good first impression matters, so strive to create a great first impression by ensuring your app is good enough before release.
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