Usability Testing is a term used to describe the methodology employed to evaluate a website, or screen-based product, with its intended users. The testing measures how 'usable' or 'intuitive' a product is and how easy it is to reach their goals.
The key difference between usability testing and traditional testing (bug testing, break testing etc.) is that usability testing takes place with actual users or customers of the product. Whilst traditional testing might be undertaken by a developer, designer or project manager, usability testing removes any bias by collecting feedback direct from the end user. There are a few types of usability testing:
Comparative Usability Testing
A comparative usability test is used to compare the usability of one product with another. It can be used at a high level where a new product is tested against competitor products, or at a low level, where two web page designs are tested to establish which provides the best user experience.
Explorative Usability Testing
Before a new product is released, explorative usability testing is undertaken to establish what content and functionality that a new product should include to improve beyond its competitors. Members of the target audience are recruited to test current products, and similar products. They are given realistic scenarios to highlight any gaps in the market that can be taken advantage of and illustrate where to focus design effort. Explorative usability testing normally takes place as part of a User Requirements Capture exercise.
Evaluation Usability Testing
This is a test of a new or updated product either during the production lifecycle, or prior to its launch. This usability test introduces users to the new design to ensure it is intuitive to use and provides a positive user experience. The aim of the evaluation usability test is to ensure any potential issues are highlighted and fixed before the product is launched.
Advantages
Throughout the project life cycle there are many advantages of usability testing including: feedback direct from the target audience to focus the project team; internal indecisions can be resolved by testing users with a problem to see how they react to the different options; and issues and potential problems are highlighted before the product is launched. However, the business advantages of usability testing can be seen at the end of the project; it increases the likelihood of usage and repeat usage, it minimises the risk of the product failing, and users are better able to reach their goals, which results in the business meeting its targets.
Disadvantages
Usability testing provides many benefits, but there are a few disadvantages in using this methodology, which should be noted. Firstly, testing is not 100% representative of the real life scenario, e.g. a mother will not have her two young children running around like she might have at home. Also, usability testing is deeply qualitative, so does not provide the large samples of feedback that a questionnaire might, but the feedback can be far more accurate and insightful.
Conclusion
Usability Testing can be used in a variety of ways during your project lifecycle. Despite not being able to mimic real life usage, usability testing is still the best method of ensuring your product or website supports users in achieving their goals quickly and easily. When businesses meet the needs and expectations of their usersFree Web Content, they are more likely to develop a successful product.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Keith McGregor is a partner of Strawberrysoup, a web design agency with offices in Chichester and Bournemouth. Strawberrysoup specialise in creative web design, content managed websites, search engine optimisation, search engine marketing and graphic design
March 27, 2008
Applying For Business Loans - What To Bring With You
Lenders are being very picky about which businesses they will give business loans to. To make a good impression to your loan officer here is a check list of what to bring with you.
With the current credit crunch lending institution are being very choosy about those who are going to receive business loans. This is why it is imperative that when you are applying for the loan that you have all the needed information with you so that you look like a well organized business. There are a variety of forms and information you should have and here is a checklist that you should use to get ready to apply for a business loan.
Officer's Information-You will need to have all of the personal information for every officer of the company. With the new banking laws put into effect after 9/11 it is certainly required before you can even get started. This information should include photo copies of each officer's driver's license and social security cards. You will also need to have the last three years of personal tax returns for each officer; this is because the officers are going to be required to sign personal guarantees for the loan.
Company's Incorporation Papers-Each state has their own requirements for how to incorporate your business. You will need to provide the lending institution with a certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation that you have filed with the state. These copies usually have the state seal and will also have the date that your corporation was official recognized by the state.
Federal Paper Work-You will also need to supply the lender with all your federal filings. This will include your EIN (Employer Identification Number) and if you are filed as an "S" Corp you will also need proof of that filing. Usually just a copy of your acceptance of an "S" Corp is needed and the receipt you receive from the IRS for you EIN.
State Paper Work- Many times you will need to show the lender that you have properly filed all the necessary paper work with the state. This can include your sales tax number and your unemployment numbers. The reason for this is because the lender wants to make sure that you business is running completely legitimately so there will be no state or Federal liens that can be placed on you.
Company Tax Returns- You are also going to need to show your company's tax returns for the previous three years. Make sure that you have a full copy of them. Other tax payments that you should have ready for them to see are any tangible or intangible taxes you have paid or any property taxesFind Article, it is important that these are currently paid and not outstanding.
When you are applying for business loans looking well organized makes a great impression with the loan officer. Take all of the above listed items and make a copy for the bank to keep. This looks like you are well prepared and also saves valuable time while you are at the bank. It is getting harder to get business loans but if you come in looking well organized you are more apt to receive a favorable result.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on Business Loans and a Small Business Loan at http://www.businessloansadvice.com
With the current credit crunch lending institution are being very choosy about those who are going to receive business loans. This is why it is imperative that when you are applying for the loan that you have all the needed information with you so that you look like a well organized business. There are a variety of forms and information you should have and here is a checklist that you should use to get ready to apply for a business loan.
Officer's Information-You will need to have all of the personal information for every officer of the company. With the new banking laws put into effect after 9/11 it is certainly required before you can even get started. This information should include photo copies of each officer's driver's license and social security cards. You will also need to have the last three years of personal tax returns for each officer; this is because the officers are going to be required to sign personal guarantees for the loan.
Company's Incorporation Papers-Each state has their own requirements for how to incorporate your business. You will need to provide the lending institution with a certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation that you have filed with the state. These copies usually have the state seal and will also have the date that your corporation was official recognized by the state.
Federal Paper Work-You will also need to supply the lender with all your federal filings. This will include your EIN (Employer Identification Number) and if you are filed as an "S" Corp you will also need proof of that filing. Usually just a copy of your acceptance of an "S" Corp is needed and the receipt you receive from the IRS for you EIN.
State Paper Work- Many times you will need to show the lender that you have properly filed all the necessary paper work with the state. This can include your sales tax number and your unemployment numbers. The reason for this is because the lender wants to make sure that you business is running completely legitimately so there will be no state or Federal liens that can be placed on you.
Company Tax Returns- You are also going to need to show your company's tax returns for the previous three years. Make sure that you have a full copy of them. Other tax payments that you should have ready for them to see are any tangible or intangible taxes you have paid or any property taxesFind Article, it is important that these are currently paid and not outstanding.
When you are applying for business loans looking well organized makes a great impression with the loan officer. Take all of the above listed items and make a copy for the bank to keep. This looks like you are well prepared and also saves valuable time while you are at the bank. It is getting harder to get business loans but if you come in looking well organized you are more apt to receive a favorable result.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on Business Loans and a Small Business Loan at http://www.businessloansadvice.com
Using Credit Cards For Business Purposes
Being able to use credit cards for business purposes is very important for conducting business. Find a card that helps your company keep more of its' money is also important...
Being able to use credit cards for business transactions is an absolutely necessity. Not having access to a credit card can be devastating for a business owner especially if you need to make purchases online. Many suppliers now require you to have a valid credit card to even open an account with them. As a business owner you are going to need to decide which type of credit card is going to meet your needs and which ones you will actually qualify for.
When you are applying for a business credit card you should know that unless your company has already established credit your personal credit history is going to be the determining factor on whether or not you are approved and if you are approved how much of a credit limit you will actually receive. So which ever officer of the company has the strongest credit rating is the one that should actually fill out the application.
When you are looking for a credit card for your business you should look at which company has the best annual fees and interest rates. There are many credit cards that are available with no annual fees and you can oftentimes find cards that have a very low introductory interest rate that stay low even after the into period ends. This is important because as you know any money that you are able to save for your company is money that you are able to add to your bottom line.
Another thing you should consider is whether or not the credit card company has any other incentives available. For example most credit card companies offer some sort of reward program. Some offer airline miles and other offer you the ability for cash back or even merchandise. Look for a card that can actually help your company to save money. If you don't need to travel for your business then a credit card that offers free miles will not help the business. However, if you have a credit card that gives you cash back for a certain percentage of all your purchases this can lead to actually cash back for the company.
When you use your credit card for business purposes most credit card companies will send you an itemized statement at the end of the year showing your expenses broken out for you. This is a great way to learn how your company is spending its' money. For example they will usually break your expenses into accounts for you such as gas, office supplies, or perhaps dining. You will be able to quickly look over this report and track where you may be able to save money for company.
Finding a credit card company that has a beneficial card for you and your company is important. Make sure that the card you are applying for has every money saving advantage as possible. Remember, having a credit card for business related expense is important for doing businessComputer Technology Articles, have the right type of credit is also important.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on a business credit card application and the best business credit card at http://www.businesscreditcardgroup.com
Being able to use credit cards for business transactions is an absolutely necessity. Not having access to a credit card can be devastating for a business owner especially if you need to make purchases online. Many suppliers now require you to have a valid credit card to even open an account with them. As a business owner you are going to need to decide which type of credit card is going to meet your needs and which ones you will actually qualify for.
When you are applying for a business credit card you should know that unless your company has already established credit your personal credit history is going to be the determining factor on whether or not you are approved and if you are approved how much of a credit limit you will actually receive. So which ever officer of the company has the strongest credit rating is the one that should actually fill out the application.
When you are looking for a credit card for your business you should look at which company has the best annual fees and interest rates. There are many credit cards that are available with no annual fees and you can oftentimes find cards that have a very low introductory interest rate that stay low even after the into period ends. This is important because as you know any money that you are able to save for your company is money that you are able to add to your bottom line.
Another thing you should consider is whether or not the credit card company has any other incentives available. For example most credit card companies offer some sort of reward program. Some offer airline miles and other offer you the ability for cash back or even merchandise. Look for a card that can actually help your company to save money. If you don't need to travel for your business then a credit card that offers free miles will not help the business. However, if you have a credit card that gives you cash back for a certain percentage of all your purchases this can lead to actually cash back for the company.
When you use your credit card for business purposes most credit card companies will send you an itemized statement at the end of the year showing your expenses broken out for you. This is a great way to learn how your company is spending its' money. For example they will usually break your expenses into accounts for you such as gas, office supplies, or perhaps dining. You will be able to quickly look over this report and track where you may be able to save money for company.
Finding a credit card company that has a beneficial card for you and your company is important. Make sure that the card you are applying for has every money saving advantage as possible. Remember, having a credit card for business related expense is important for doing businessComputer Technology Articles, have the right type of credit is also important.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on a business credit card application and the best business credit card at http://www.businesscreditcardgroup.com
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