Checklist for Usability testing

There are many aspects that are involved in a testing process, this article will focus on the “Checklist” aspect that is a fundamental part of every software testing process.

As a specialist tester I become familiar with the fact that the concept of “checklists” can be an excellent and effective way of ensuring that the testing project will be executed in a way that all the user requirements will be reflected in an appropriate test cases.  

Why using a checklist for testing?

• In my opinion, there are a few major benefits that you achieve when using checklists:
• Checklists can ensure that all the client requirements will be covered in the testing process.
• Checklists can ensure that the software is tested with the needed coverage.
• Checklists can reduce the tester “Forgetting” errors.
• Checklists can help to ensure the testing accuracy.
• Checklists can help to see the testing coverage.
• Checklists can help to see the testing progress.
• Checklists can increase the coordination between different teams that involved in the testing process.

I selected few criteria for tests, every criteria contain few examples that may help you to perform a better usability testing.


User experience  

• Validate that the information displayed with an appropriate contrast against the background.
• Validate that the user can use the main functionalities without an unnecessary operation.
• Validate that the user receives notifications for invalid credentials or sign up information.
• Validate that the user can sign up to your site, the operation should be well guided.
• Validate that user can perform operations with keyboard shortcuts/combinations.
• Validate that all buttons, checkboxes, radio buttons, etc. are visible and clickable.
• Validate that user receives an informative “pop-up” before applying is changes.
• Validate that user can exit from any operation without a complex dialog.
• Validate that the “First impression” of your site is the one you aim for.
• Validate that users can use a “Contact” information that is available.
• Validate that the user can compare different items (if relevant).
• Validate that every operation finishes with a reasonable time.
• Validate that the user can easily access into the 'Help' guide.
• Validate your site/client against different screen resolutions.
• Validate that users can quickly access the site information.
• Validate that the user receives a sign up “Approval”.

Information and visibility

• Validate that disabled fields are grayed out (User cannot manipulate/use them).
• Validate that your syntax is written in a language that simple for the end user.
• Validate that unnecessary information is not part of the advertise content.
• Validate that your company logo is displayed on all the relevant locations.
• Validate that the user receives “Error” notification for invalid operations.
• Validate that you have space between notifications, fields, labels Etc.
• Validate that all pictures/videos contain an appropriate description.
• Make sure that the content is written with Lowercase/uppercase.
• Validate that your content is free of spelling mistakes.
• Validate that the important data is highlighted.
• Make sure that your content is up to date.
• Validate that all pages/grids have a title.

Navigation

• Validate that you don’t have any “Drop-Down” lists that contain too many records.
• Validate that navigation “TABS” are pointing to locations with an appropriate order.
• Validate that you have a basic “Site Map” that may help the end user.
• Validate that the user has a convenient way to move between Tabs/pages with the option to return to the main Tab/Page no matter what is the current location.
• Validate that navigation bars are located at the top of the screen.
• Validate that “Scrolling” is available in the relevant locations.
• Validate that user cannot insert inputs on “Drop-Down” lists.
• Validate that all links are configured with alphabetical order.
• Validate that “Groping” is available in the relevant locations.
• Validate that “Sorting” is available in the relevant locations.
• Validate that the user can recognize is the current location.
• Validate the predefined values on grids, radio buttons etc.
• Validate that user can easily navigate between locations.

Site links

• Make sure that the main functionalities are configured as buttons and not links.
• Validate that all links are configured with the expected references.
• Validate that all links are marked with the relevant color.
• Make sure that the user receives appropriate notification in any case of delay between the link selection and the referenced destination.
• Validate that there are no broken links.

Search fields

• Validate that alternative queries are suggested if the user query returned empty results.
• Validate that “search” notification is displayed in any case of delay in the search process.
• Validate that appropriate notification is displayed if the search query return ‘0’ results.
• The search results are displayed with the relevant metadata (Different file attributes).
• Validate that the search engine contains different operators (Or, Like, Equals Etc.).
• Validate that the user can filter the search results with few basic search criteria.
• Validate that appropriate notification is displayed if user insert invalid chars.
• Validate that the search results are displayed without duplications.
• Validate that the results page is clear regarding the search results.
• Validate that the search bar is located in an appropriate location.
• Validate that the search results are displayed in logical order.
• Validate that user can start the search with the keyboard.
• By default, make sure that your site contains a search bar.
• Validated hat the search bar is with reasonable size.
• Validate that the search results are accurate.