Designed for Use, 2nd Edition

How Often to Test

Doing usability tests is like jogging: the more you do it, the easier it gets, and the better you become at it. Experts often recommend spending a few days each month, but setting aside a few days for usability testing can be hard to do—plus, if you do it only once a month, you won’t get used to it. Between it being hard to reserve the time and you not getting used to it, you’ll eventually stop doing tests altogether. So, I’m recommending a schedule that is a lot simpler: set aside half a day each week.

Soon you’ll discover that the feedback cycle becomes addictive. Each week, you’ll find new problems, and after you’ve come up with potential solutions, you’ll be eager to see whether they work. Instead of waiting a month for ...