For individuals unfamiliar with the quality assurance testing process, it may be difficult to distinguish between the phrases “functionality” and “usability”. But to a tester, these phrases mean two very different things and are two important – but completely separate – pieces of the QA testing process.
What is Functionality Testing?
Performed to ensure that software behaves the way it is supposed to, functionality testing will reveal issues concerning a product’s conformation to design specifications. During functionality testing, the tester will ask, “Does ‘X’ feature work the way it is supposed to?” and, “Can I perform ‘X’ task?”
For example, if you create a calculator app you will want to perform tests that ensure (1 + 1 = 2) and (5 x 5 = 25).
What is Usability Testing?
Instead of testing to see if your app or software works, usability testing is performed to see if it works in a way that is easy for individuals to use. During usability testing, testers will attempt to complete a set of tasks and then rate how easy it was to complete them.
Some commonly asked questions here at Beta Breakers are:
- Do the installation procedures make sense?
- Is the navigation from page to page intuitive?
- Are fields easy to fill out and correct?
- Is the product aesthetically pleasing?
- Is the information displayed on each page relevant and well organized?
- Is the product’s navigation easy to learn and remember?
As a consumer, it is incredibly frustrating to use a website, app or software program that is difficult to navigate. Usability testing is therefore an important part of the QA testing process.
The design of your product plays a major role in your success, and with technology constantly advancing, customers expect the products they use to always be getting easier and faster to operate.
Simply put, functionality testing is all about the product itself, not the individual who will be using it. Usability testing is all about the individual and the experience they will have using your product.
To learn more about the testing services we offer and the lab we work in, visit Beta Breakers online or contact us at 415-878-2990. As premier software quality assurance lab with years of experience, we can help you ensure that your product is ready for the market.
Written by Beta Breakers
With Experience in Quality Assurance & Testing Desktop Software, Mobile Apps, Websites & Web Applications for Nearly 30 Years, Beta Breakers has become the Premier Software Quality Assurance Labs and Application-Testing Provider - Learn More Here
It’s good that you point out that usability testing is a good way to see if your customers will be able to use your software easily. I want to create a piece of software to sell, and I’m considering having UX testing done on it to make sure my potential customers will like it. I’m going to look for a good company that offers usability testing.