Usability means how easy a product is to use and learn. Usability is important because if a system is difficult to use, users will find an alternative. User testing involves asking users to complete common tasks while observing any difficulties. Testing ensures the system is appropriate for users, navigation works, and the user experience is good. Alpha testing checks for errors internally, while beta testing uses real users to find bugs and suggest improvements before public release. Compatibility testing verifies a system works with required hardware and software.

2. Usability
Usability means the ease of use and learnability of a product.
Usability is important, if a program or information system is difficult to use then
the end user will find an alternative solution.

3. Usability
If a website is difficult to use or navigate then the end user will try a different
website
If a user cannot find a product on an e-commerce website then they may not
make a purchase.

4. User Testing
Step 1: Ask users to carry out common tasks on the website or information
system (e.g. navigate, search, purchase)
Step 2: Observe the users noting how they managed to complete the tasks and
any difficulties they may have experienced (but do not intervene / help).
This should be an iterative process, with changes being made in light of testing
and then further testing taking place.

5. Testing
The purpose of testing a website or information system:
Appropriate for target user
Links and navigation work correctly
All media is correctly displayed and layout is consistent
The user can work out how to complete tasks with minimal or no help
The user experience (UX) is good

6. Alpha Testing
Alpha testing is generally carried out in-house.
The purpose is to ensure the information system or program is ready to be beta
tested by identifying and fixing as many errors as possible.

7. Beta Testing
Beta Testing is the second and final stage of testing before the product release.
The application is tested by real users who feedback any errors or bugs, and
may even suggest additional functionality.

8. Beta Testing
Beta Testing is the second and final stage of testing before the product release.
The application is tested by real users who feedback any errors or bugs, and
may even suggest additional functionality.
Closed beta testing: Small group of selected users chosen to beta test.
Open beta testing: The resource is available to the general public who are
made aware that the current version is a beta release.

9. Beta Testing

10. Compatibility Testing
Programs and information systems need to be tested to ensure that they are
compatible with hardware and software.
Hardware
There will be a minimum specification:
Processor speed
RAM
Hard disk drive space
Graphics card (for high end graphics resources)

11. Compatibility Testing
Programs and information systems need to be tested to ensure that they are
compatible with hardware and software.
Software
What software does the resource need to be compatible with?
Operating System (type and version)
Browsers (type and version)