Usability Testing

Ann-Louise Davidson

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Context: This exercise is designed for innovators who are developing prototypes and want to test their prototypes with users.

Objective: The objective of this exercise is to provide innovators with a tool to uncover usability issues and identify potential problems early in the design process and to ensure that the design is centred around the needs, preferences, and behaviours of the users.

Process: The exercise will guide innovators through four steps to prepare, conduct and analyze data from usability tests:

Step 1: Define objectives –Outline the goals and objectives of the usability test.

Step 2: Develop a test – Prepare a test plan that outlines a description of each phase of the test, the materials needed for each phase, and the script that will be used during each phase.

Step 3: Conduct the test – Take notes during the test on what appears to be working well and what appears to need improvement.

Step 4: Analyze the data – Analyze the notes to identify what aspects of the prototype need improvement.

Credits:

This board was partially inspired by the following templates on Miroverse:

Usability Testing by Syncier: https://miro.com/miroverse/usability-testing/
Usability Test Plan and Debrief by Marcello Tanzi: https://miro.com/miroverse/usability-test-plan-and-debrief/

This tool was designed in collaboration with Nathalie Duponsel, the coordinator of the Concordia University Innovation Lab.

Ann-Louise Davidson

Professor @ Concordia University

I am the Director of the Concordia University Innovation Lab and a Professor in Education. In Fall 2025, we are launching a new microprogram designed to cultivate an innovation mindset in students. The tools we’ve developed are actively integrated into the lab’s learning experiences and my courses. As a passionate collaborative action researcher, I am deeply committed to developing methods that structure meaningful conversations and uncover thinking patterns.