UI testing (user interface)

UI testing is an important link in the development of websites and applications. It carries deep meaning and value aimed at providing the optimal product created for the market. UI testing means an audit of functionality and design, assessing the convenience of consumer interaction with the program and satisfaction with its effectiveness.

UI testing helps identify design weaknesses, potential navigation errors, and improve overall organization.

Why prototype testing is needed

UI tests are a key stage in creating a reliable and high-quality interface. UI testing allows you to work out problems with elements and eliminate them before launch. Regular viewing of frames gives confidence that the application will satisfy the needs of visitors and will successfully compete in the web environment.

UI testing of an interactive prototype

Careful refinement of prototypes plays a major role in delivering a unique user experience. Factors in this process include knowledge of existing UI components and careful analysis of their suitability.

UI testing of an interactive prototype

What UI standards exist?

There are many UIs that developers and designers can consider when designing. Some of them include:

  • Material Design by Google: Offers crisp lines, shadows, and animations to make graphics visually appealing and intuitive.
  • Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines:The guide covers design and interactions specific to Apple products, ensuring consistency between iOS and macOS systems.
  • Material-UI for the web: Ready-made components and guidelines for projects in the Material style.
  • Flat Design:Known for its simplicity and use of bright colors, minimizing the use of realistic textures and shadows.
  • Skeuomorphic: This approach mimics real objects and textures in the virtual world, creating more realistic and recognizable interfaces.
  • Responsive: This is an approach focused on scalability that can automatically adapt to different devices and screen resolutions. This standard introduces an equally convenient user experience on a computer, tablet and mobile gadget, which is critical for modern web services.
  • Universal Windows Platform (UWP) from Microsoft: Provides recommendations for apps that can run on all platforms running Windows 10. This means professionals have a way to create universal solutions that can run as on desktop computers and mobile devices.

Understanding and respecting these standards is essential for engineers to help them create user-friendly and intuitive interfaces. Compliance with these rules is consistent with visitor expectations and the quality of universal applications. Prototype testing helps ensure that each element follows the stated logic.

Layout analysis, correct design of buttons and control links, adaptability to different sizes – all these aspects are carefully checked. This approach not only eliminates shortcomings, but also allows for the creation of an interface that is easy to understand and convenient to use. Thus, this stage becomes a significant step in the configuration of software that will attract and retain customers.

Testing prototypes

Testing paper prototypes

Prototype testing is a surprisingly effective method in the early stages of screen development. This process allows designers and developers to get a feel for the functionality, identify potential problems, and gather user feedback before even starting to code.

Advantages of working with paper prototypes

One of the main advantages of this approach is flexibility and accessibility. Layouts can be quickly changed and modified while in use. The team quickly adapts to changes and improves the system based on the response.

In addition, paper mockups encourage active user participation in the usability process. Their opinion is valuable for further improvement of the software. Testing paper mockups – creates a more satisfying user experience early in development.

Is it always necessary to conduct UI testing

The question of the need for research worries many developers. But when it comes to user needs and success, the answer is clear: yes, testing is always necessary. This is not only a way to prevent shortcomings, but also to make the project more competitive, attractive and convenient for clients.

Checklist for UI testing

Checklist for UI testing: what to test first

When developing a usability checklist, attention is paid to a number of critical aspects to ensure a flawless user experience. Here is an example of a checklist for website UI testing that you should apply first:

  • Composite page view:
    • Integrity and harmony of design.
    • Ensure that content remains readable and functional when the page scales.
  • Text and content:
    • Presence of grammar, typos and correct alignment.
    • Readability and correct display of text on various devices.
  • Components:
    • Buttons and links for correct display and clickability.
    • After clicking, the user should receive visual confirmation of his choice or action.
  • Working with forms:
    • You should carefully review all selection forms, including radio buttons, checkboxes and text fields, to ensure they are displayed correctly.
    • You also need to ensure that form design is consistent across the site so that customers can easily and confidently contact them.
  • Responsiveness and adaptability:
    • Analyze on different devices and screen resolutions to make sure everything adapts correctly.
    • Also ensure that the content responds to changes in browser window size and device resolution without losing structure or shifting layouts.
  • Compatibility and security:
    • Make sure that the site works stably and correctly on all popular platforms.
    • It is also necessary to have an SSL certificate and stable protection against malicious attacks to ensure the security of visitor data.

What are the stages of testing?

  • Planning: Defining goals, drawing up test cases and a plan.
  • Execution of test cases: Conducted in accordance with developed scenarios.
  • Registration and analysis of results: Recording of errors found, their analysis and reporting.
  • Regression testing: Re-correcting and making sure other parts are not affected.
  • Automation (if necessary): Create automated templates for repeatable data.

Proper UI testing of the interface is the key to the quality of the software solution. This process not only ensures adaptability, but also creates a pleasant user experience. By paying attention to every aspect, we make the product truly unique and attractive to users.