What type of test is often used to evaluate a new product's usability?

User testing is a method specifically designed to assess how real users interact with a product. This type of testing focuses on gathering feedback regarding the product’s interface, functionality, and overall user experience. The key goal is to identify any issues that may arise when the product is used in a typical setting, allowing designers and engineers to make necessary adjustments to enhance usability and satisfaction.

During user tests, participants may be asked to complete specific tasks while observers take notes on their interactions, difficulties, and comments. This qualitative data helps in understanding how intuitive the product is and whether it meets the needs of its target audience. The insights gained from user testing are invaluable for iterative design, as they inform decisions on layout, functionality, and features.

In contrast, performance tests often focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of the product's functions, market tests evaluate potential consumer acceptance in target markets, and durability tests check the material and structural integrity of the product over time. While these tests serve important purposes, they do not specifically concentrate on the usability aspect as user tests do.