We did usability testing for YumDrop way back when we redesigned it the first time. It worked out pretty well. Sales went up. Much success! However, we never did it again. Taboo #1 when it comes to usability testing. I’ve been planning on getting it rolling again lately and finally did with an impromptu session with my brother.

The amazing thing was that I was able to do it OVER THE PHONE! I basically just asked vague questions to see what he thought of different pages on our sites. From the 20 minute session, I was able to get a few good ideas, which is really all you need to start. The only downside of it is I can’t see what he’s clicking on or hovering the mouse over. The important thing I think is that I did it, even if it wasn’t perfect. Something is better than nothing after all.

One thing I was able to get out of Krug’s book was that it doesn’t really matter so much how you do your usability testing (other than a few key approaches), but that you do it and keep doing it. As you continue down the testing road, you’ll continue to improve the stumbling points people have with your web site.