Image released under a Creative Commons license by Yandle on Flickr
When conducting usability testing on websites, there are plenty of online tools available to help with the process. If I require a range of different testers, who fit a series of demographics, mirroring the various users of a site, I use a service called usertesting.com. The service is well run with responsive support and has become a staple in my tool box. For around $39 you can have someone step through your site completing predetermined tasks that you set. Watching the resultant screencast, as well as listening to the user describe their thought process while completing each task, provides real insight into what is working well and what isn’t. Other options including; Loop 11, Open Hallway, CrazyEgg and many more.
A couple of alternative approaches I use include The Readability Test Tool – creating a great user experience is not just about the UI, readability and comprehension of content plays a big part in a site’s success – and the Forrester Website User Experience Review, which is comprehensive and prompts you to drill into aspects of a site that can easily be overlooked.
There are many other techniques including; card sorting, focus groups, cloze tests, observation, persona development and user scenario design.
Further reading:
- http://www.useit.com/ (A great reference)
- http://www.idatbcnmasters.com/miakos/?p=415
- http://www.masternewmedia.org/website-usability-testing-guide-to-the-best-professional-usability-testing-tools-and-services/
- Usability testing Demystified http://www.alistapart.com/articles/usability-testing-demystified/
Lives in Toronto Canada, loves food (especially pizza), beer, business, technology and music. 
