A/B Testing
Compares two different design versions, which are shown to two different groups of users. The results show which one performs better.
More than 100
Card Sorting
Users organize items into groups or in their perceived right order and assign categories to each group. It shows users’ mental models.
15-20
Diary Study
Participants self-report their activities to create a log of their actions, thoughts, and frustrations, which helps to understand their experience.
Around 5
Focus Group
Guided by a moderator, groups from 3 to 12 participants discuss and share opinions about a product, campaign or a brand.
Around 5
Heatmap
Gives an overview of how users are behaving in a page, showing what attracts their attention or distracts them from the main goal.
More than 100
Heuristic Evaluation
Designers assess an interface against a set of agreed-upon best practices. Helps detecting usability problems before user testing begins.
Around 5
Interview
At one-on-one meetings with researchers, participants speak deeply about a topic sharing their thoughts in their own language.
Around 5
Kano Analysis
Can be used within surveys and interviews, to prioritize which product attributes are more important to users, and measure satisfaction.
30-40
Observation
Requires attentive looking from the researcher and recording of phenomena. It reveals “what” users do in a specific situation.
Around 5
Survey
Measure and categorize attitudes or collect self-reported data that can help track or discover important issues to address.
More than 100
Task Analysis
Breaks down the elements of a user’s work flow. Normally includes observation and interviews.It is usually represented in flowcharts.
Around 5
Usability Test
Participants experience an interface while completing a task or a set of tasks. Helps to identify what has to be improved before launching it.
Around 5
User Journey Map
A visualization of the users’ path to a particular goal, which helps identifying breakdowns and successes on their journey.
5-10
5-Second Test
For 5 seconds participants observe a design. Later, they have to answer questions based on memory and the impression of the image.
Around 50