How to conduct effective user testing during prototype development?

Effective user testing during prototype development involves several key steps to ensure the design meets user needs and expectations.

1. Define Clear Objectives: Identify what you want to learn from the testing. For example, are you testing usability, functionality, or user preferences?
   Example: If you're designing a mobile app, your goal might be to assess how easily users can complete a purchase flow.

2. Recruit Representative Users: Select participants who match your target audience. Avoid bias by choosing a diverse group.
   Example: For a fitness app, include both beginners and advanced users.

3. Choose the Right Testing Method:

   • Moderated Testing: A facilitator guides users through tasks while observing their behavior.
     Example: Watching users navigate a prototype for a food delivery service.
   • Unmoderated Testing: Users complete tasks independently, often remotely.
     Example: Using tools like Maze or UserTesting to gather feedback on a web app prototype.

4. Create Realistic Tasks: Design tasks that reflect real-world usage scenarios.
   Example: For a banking app, ask users to transfer money or check their balance.

5. Observe and Record: Pay attention to user actions, facial expressions, and verbal feedback. Use screen recording tools for later analysis.
   Example: Noting where users hesitate or make errors in a prototype for an e-commerce site.

6. Analyze and Iterate: Identify pain points and areas for improvement. Refine the prototype based on findings.
   Example: If users struggle to find a "Checkout" button, redesign its placement or visibility.

For scalable testing in cloud-based environments, Tencent Cloud offers services like Cloud Virtual Machine (CVM) for hosting prototypes and Cloud Load Balancer to manage traffic during user testing. Additionally, Tencent Cloud COS (Object Storage) can store user feedback and test data securely.