“Usability testing is a form of user research, in so far as it allows you to make conclusions about a large population based on observations of a small sample of that population. Essentially, we try to assess our products’ suitability for our marketplace – as well as its usability for the population of interest – by testing it with a group of typical users. Usability testing often involves both quantitative and qualitative data – either of which can be subject to misunderstandings. This column discusses principles of rigorous research as they apply to usability testing, with an emphasis on reliability and dependability.”

(Mike Hughes ~ UXmatters)