Interfacile provides usability testing of software, web applications, and web sites at all stages of product development. We conduct structured observations of potential users in a usability lab, as well as collect data and make observations of usage after a web site or software system is fielded.

In a typical usability test, participants are given relevant tasks to perform. The evaluators look for and record potential problems, frustrations, difficulties, and bottlenecks encountered by the participant. In testing against a specified goal, the evaluator measures the time, number of clicks, errors, or other quantifiable variables to determine the extent to which the participant has met the goal.

For situations where time schedules and resources are limited, we use an effective method called "discount usability." Discount usability combines heuristic reviews using a few general guidelines with limited informal observational usability testing. The participants are observed performing one or two tasks based on a single scenario most relevant to the web site's purpose. Participants are tested using the "think aloud" technique, in which they talk about what they are doing as they are performing the task. Their verbal protocols are audio recorded and analyzed for usability issues that relate to their thoughts about their activities.

A typical usability test requires an average of four weeks including designing the test, collecting and analyzing the data, and providing a written report that includes a description of the test, results, and recommendations. Typical time for a discount usability test and reporting is eight days.