Usability testing methods aim to evaluate the ease of use of a software product by its users. As existing methods are subjective and open to interpretation, scholars have been studying the efficacy of each method [1] [2] [3] and their adequacy to different subjects, comparing which one may be the most appropriate in fields like e-learning,[4] e-commerce,[5] or mobile applications.[6]
| Evaluation Method | Evaluation Method Type | Applicable Stages | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
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| Think-aloud protocol | Testing | Design, coding, testing and release of application | Participants in testing express their thoughts on the application while executing set tasks |
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| Remote Usability testing | Testing | Design, coding, testing and release of application | The experimenter does not directly observe the users while they use the application though activity may be recorded for subsequent viewing |
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| Focus groups | Inquiry | Testing and release of application | A moderator guides a discussion with a group of users of the application |
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| Interviews | Inquiry | Design, coding, testing and release of application | The users are interviewed to find out about their experience and expectations |
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| Cognitive walkthrough | Inspection | Design, coding, testing and release of application | A team of evaluators walk through the application discussing usability issues through the use of a paper prototype or a working prototype |
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| Pluralistic walkthrough | Inspection | Design | A team of users, usability engineers and product developers review the usability of the paper prototype of the application |
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