Verify: Low Cost Usability Testing Done Right

I just love it finding new user experience testing tools. And I especially like ones that are simple, fast, affordable, versatile, and provide actionable data.

Verify is just such a tool. And unlike tools that are limited to live websites, Verify can be used to test and compare mockups.

Here are the types of tests you can run:

Click Test

In this test, users are asked where they’d click on an upcoming screenshot, then shown the page. The system records where and how quickly they clicked. (Results are returned as a heatmap.) A great test for determining whether your call to action is prominent enough.

Multi-Page Click Test

See how users click through a series of pages. (Do they understand the page flow?)

Memory Test

Users are shown an image of your page for a few seconds, then asked to list up to five things they remember seeing. Great for determining first impressions, and whether visitors see what you need them to see.

Mood Test

In this test, users are shown your page for a few seconds, then are asked how it made them feel. (To respond, they click on a happy, sad or neutral face.) They can also tell you why they felt that way.

Preference Test

Just like it sounds: show users two versions of a page then ask which they prefer, and why.

Annotate Test

Lets you solicit written user feedback. Users are shown your page, then asked to make notes about areas that catch their eye.

Label Test

Find out whether users understand what various items on your page are… and what they’d call them.

Linked Test

Combine a number of back-to-back tests. Great for testing multiple screens, different flows, and for gathering more detailed data.

 

What a great tool for settling arguments. Not sure which version of a page will work better? Just put together a test, and base your decisions on real data rather than guesswork.

Downsides? Well… at present, Verify doesn’t recruit users for you. It’s up to you to distribute your test URL to prospective participants. (Customers, clients, blog readers, Facebook friends, team members…) Rumor has it, however, that they’re working on setting up a database of users you can access.

Also, Verify doesn’t replace traditional user testing. Realistically, even in a Linked Test, you can only ask so many questions. And you can’t ask follow-up questions, probe deeper, etc. So the data isn’t as rich.

But still, this is a very useful tool. Great for improving existing sites, developing new concepts… and settling arguments.

With plans starting at $9 a month, Verify is affordable to even the smallest online businesses. Check it out.