We've explored usability before, but today, I found a tool that makes website usability testing a snap!
A new app, most appropriately called Five Second Test allows website designers to upload a screen shot of a page, invite participants to view the page for exactly 5 seconds, then type in what they remember from the page.
Web Usability in a Nutshell
Web usability is an approach to make web sites easy to use for an end-user, without requiring her to have any specialized training. The user should be able to intuitively relate the actions he needs to perform on the web page such as click a link or press of a button.
Isn't Web Usability Only for Large Websites?
For many small businesses, the 5-10 page brochure-style website works just fine, but that doesn't mean you can ignore usability. It's the foundation of treating your customers and prospects well when they visit your website.
With tools like the Five Second Test and a host of articles and resources, there's every reason it's time to polish up your website, get some feedback and make a change for the better.
Here are some web usability resources to get you started.
Web Usability Resources
To learn all more about usability here some additional resources:
• Jakob Nielsen's Alert Box column
• Usability 101
• Top ten mistakes of Web design
• Usable Web is a collection of 786 links and accompanying information about human factors, user interface issues, and usable design specific
Usability Podcasts
• The User Experience Podcast
• Usability Tools Podcast
• DesignCritique
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Have a Resource You'd Like to Add?
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David
I'm stumped. What exactly does this tell you about your design? It's more like the generation game than a usability test. If you tell someone they have 5 seconds to look at a design and then will be asked to see what they remember then they'll just try to look and remember as much as possible. This is in no way similar to the way people use websites.
I can't see how this helps.
David,
You raise a fair question. Research shows that visitors only look but a glance at a website before making a decision on what they click on, or more seriously, if they stay or "bounce" off the site entirely.
From the list of keywords and terms used to describe what people see, it reveals what is the most prominent thing on the page.
For example, in our test, I was surprised at how many people noticed the "Live Chat" cartoon lady. Not as many people noticed the page title "Find Voices" so perhaps that could be addressed.
I wouldn't design a site without further, more in-depth testing, but you can consider the Five Second Test as a fast and simple tool in your kit.
Hi David,
The example you quote is perfect for showing the flaws in this technique. People remembered a picture of a women. Hardly surprising really. It doesn't actually mean anything.
I believe this technique was introduced by Jared Spool. I'm not convinced entirely by the methodology he suggests but have a listen to his podcast and see how it differs to what you're describing:
http://www.uie.com/brainsparks/2007/09/10/usability-tools-podcast-5-second-usability-tests/
Going to repeat what everyone else has said, thanks and valuable article.