What is the primary goal of usability testing?

The primary goal of usability testing is to evaluate how easily users can navigate and use the product. This process focuses on understanding the user's experience and interaction with the design, identifying any obstacles they may encounter, and gathering feedback on their overall satisfaction. By observing real users as they perform tasks, designers can pinpoint usability issues that may go unnoticed in design reviews or theoretical assessments. This information is crucial for making informed decisions that enhance usability, leading to a more effective and user-friendly product.

While factors like development costs, visual appeal, and designer preferences are important considerations in the design process, usability testing specifically prioritizes the end-user experience. Therefore, the emphasis is on ensuring that users can efficiently engage with the product and achieve their goals without unnecessary difficulty. This aligns closely with the core principles of user-centered design, which advocates for a strong focus on user needs and behaviors throughout the design process.