Usability Testing is a process that evaluates the effectiveness and ease of use of a product or service. In this age of agility, the need for faster and more effective testing methods is increasing. RITE（Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation) is an innovative method to meet this need, and we at Uism are actively employing it. In this article, we will present a real-life example of our RITE methodology and the results we were able to achieve because of the strong international background that we at Uism possess.
Features and Advantages
RITE is based on the basic principles of usability testing, but differs from regular testing in terms of speed. In normal usability testing, the results are analyzed after the test is completed, and the product is improved based on those final results. With RITE, however, the results are analyzed right after each day of testing. As soon as a problem is identified, the product is improved immediately. The new iteration is then tested again and again to continuously and efficiently improve the quality of the product.
In this way, RITE enables a rapid feedback loop and speeds up the product improvement cycle. As such, it is particularly compatible with agile and lean development concepts, and can quickly ensure product quality.
Example in Use
At Uism, we provide usability research services to domestic and international clients. In the case presented below, we worked closely with a client overseas to resolve issues by communicating closely with them so that users could easily understand the initial setup flow of a new application that said client was considering introducing.
A unique point about this study was the geographical constraints of the development and design team being based in Europe actually proved to be an advantage. We conducted usability tests in Japan time and reported daily on the test results and suggestions for improvement. The European designers would use the feedback to revise the prototypes during the Japanese evening, and we would start retesting the revised designs the next morning.
Research Flow in Detail:
- Conduct Usability Testing with 5 participants in Japan
- Share results and discuss insights in the evening after testing
- Receive updated design from Europe by the next day
- Conduct Usability Testing with newly updated UI
We conducted this style of work with the European designers throughout a week, and as a result, the usability of the application improved dramatically in a short time. Specifically, task completion times were significantly reduced, and a comparison of test results between the first day and the final day showed a major improvement in user satisfaction. Although some modifications were made to animations and icon positions, the most visible effects were seen in the font size and text expression. Importantly, the client was very pleased with the results, saying, “This process has greatly improved the quality of our service. We were able to overcome language barriers with the service, too.”
In Summary
What is noteworthy about this case is not only were the UI problems improved using the RITE methodology, but the subtle expressions and nuances of the Japanese language were quickly tested and corrected, significantly improving the service in a short period of time. The recognition of such language nuances, and ability to convey them in a comprehensible way to the client overseas was due in no small part to the diverse backgrounds of our UX researchers. Our team is fluent in several languages and versed in a wide array of business, scientific, and psychosocial fields. From the strength of our team, we can provide advice on how to improve products and services from multiple points of view, making Usability Testing provided by Uism not only testing, but a true value proposition.
The case study presented here is just one example of our strengths and accomplishments. Uism remains committed to ensuring that each client’s products and services provide the best possible experience for their users. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Usability Testing is a process that evaluates the effectiveness and ease of use of a product or service. In this age of agility, the need for faster and more effective testing methods is increasing. RITE（Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation) is an innovative method to meet this need, and we at Uism are actively employing it. In this article, we will present a real-life example of our RITE methodology and the results we were able to achieve because of the strong international background that we at Uism possess.
Features and Advantages
RITE is based on the basic principles of usability testing, but differs from regular testing in terms of speed. In normal usability testing, the results are analyzed after the test is completed, and the product is improved based on those final results. With RITE, however, the results are analyzed right after each day of testing. As soon as a problem is identified, the product is improved immediately. The new iteration is then tested again and again to continuously and efficiently improve the quality of the product.
In this way, RITE enables a rapid feedback loop and speeds up the product improvement cycle. As such, it is particularly compatible with agile and lean development concepts, and can quickly ensure product quality.
Example in Use
At Uism, we provide usability research services to domestic and international clients. In the case presented below, we worked closely with a client overseas to resolve issues by communicating closely with them so that users could easily understand the initial setup flow of a new application that said client was considering introducing.
A unique point about this study was the geographical constraints of the development and design team being based in Europe actually proved to be an advantage. We conducted usability tests in Japan time and reported daily on the test results and suggestions for improvement. The European designers would use the feedback to revise the prototypes during the Japanese evening, and we would start retesting the revised designs the next morning.
Research Flow in Detail:
- Conduct Usability Testing with 5 participants in Japan
- Share results and discuss insights in the evening after testing
- Receive updated design from Europe by the next day
- Conduct Usability Testing with newly updated UI
We conducted this style of work with the European designers throughout a week, and as a result, the usability of the application improved dramatically in a short time. Specifically, task completion times were significantly reduced, and a comparison of test results between the first day and the final day showed a major improvement in user satisfaction. Although some modifications were made to animations and icon positions, the most visible effects were seen in the font size and text expression. Importantly, the client was very pleased with the results, saying, “This process has greatly improved the quality of our service. We were able to overcome language barriers with the service, too.”
In Summary
What is noteworthy about this case is not only were the UI problems improved using the RITE methodology, but the subtle expressions and nuances of the Japanese language were quickly tested and corrected, significantly improving the service in a short period of time. The recognition of such language nuances, and ability to convey them in a comprehensible way to the client overseas was due in no small part to the diverse backgrounds of our UX researchers. Our team is fluent in several languages and versed in a wide array of business, scientific, and psychosocial fields. From the strength of our team, we can provide advice on how to improve products and services from multiple points of view, making Usability Testing provided by Uism not only testing, but a true value proposition.
The case study presented here is just one example of our strengths and accomplishments. Uism remains committed to ensuring that each client’s products and services provide the best possible experience for their users. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.