There are several questions to consider before deciding upon a usability method to use when evaluating a website or application such as:
- What data is needed?
- Who and how will use the data?
- How much justification/support is needed?
- How different methods complement each other?
- What resources are available?
There are also questions that need to be asked when comparing the various methods such as:
- Who/What is the source of data?
- What is the setting for evaluation?
- What is the nature of the task?
- How obtrusive is the method?
Finally, the researcher must always keep in mind the stages in usability testing which are:
- Developing the test plan
- Selection of participants
- Preparation of test materials
- Conducting the test
- Debriefing the participants
- Transforming the data into findings and recommendations
