Usability Testing

Launching a product without first testing it with users is a big risk. And because usability testing can be done quickly and at a relatively low cost, it is an unnecessary risk.

Our approach fits into the way you work so testing will not slow down your development cycle.

You need a usability test …

… if you find yourself asking these questions:

Do we have the right functions?
Where will the user have problems?
Are the functions accessible by everyone?
Is it better than the previous version?
How usable is it?
Is it ready for release yet?
How does it compare to the competition?

What do we test?

We have many hours of experience usability testing a wide range of products, services, software and websites.

We can test products and systems in the early stages as paper layouts, SLA models, or interactive simulations right through to ready-to-release products, or competitor products that are already on the market.

Who do we test?

We work closely with you to identify the appropriate test participants - people who represent your target market segment - and we create a recruiting screener. We then work with our recruiting agents to find the right people to test your product.

Because we are focusing on user behavior we are able to get reliable results by testing with a small number of users (as few as 5-10). We test with a larger number of participants (usually about 20-24) when we are measuring your product's usability.

Where do we test?

We have usability labs in downtown Chicago, and in Deerfield, Illinois. The labs have observation rooms so that you can watch your product being tested.

We can also conduct usability tests right in your own neighborhood, or even in your own facility no matter where you are in the USA.

Next move?

Don't leave it too late!

We recommend testing early as part of an iterative design process, and allowing time for design changes before you launch.

Blueprint provided us with great insights that were right on time to impact the design of our product!

Sion Agami
Principal Scientist, Fabric & Home Care/Air Care
Procter & Gamble

What we deliver

We provide you with a detailed test plan so you can review the steps we will take and so there will be no surprises when we run the test. You'll also get:

A detailed usability test report
A prioritized list of usability problems
Clear indication of which problems must be fixed
Recommended solutions
A defect tracking check list
A highlight video, if required
A presentation to your team and stakeholders
An optional follow-up design workshop

Don't have time for a full usability test?

Sometimes the schedule just gets away from you! We know how it is. But we can still help you identify your product's usability strengths and weaknesses. Our usability review service is one way to stay focused on usability while still developing at a rapid pace.

Usability Test Professionals

Blueprint follows the UPA guidelines for usability testing. The UPA recommends that you ask your usability supplier these questions:

What methods are appropriate for my project?
What standards will you follow
What measurements will you take?
What users will you test?

Get a copy of the UPA supplier guidelines (PDF: 92k).