Mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular and competitive in the digital market. According to Statista, over 3.5 million apps were available on Google Play Store and over 2.2 million apps on Apple App Store as of the first quarter of 2021. To stand out from the crowd and deliver a satisfying user experience, mobile app developers need to ensure that their apps are of high quality and meet the needs and expectations of their target users.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate the quality of a mobile app is to conduct user testing and feedback surveys. User testing is a process of observing and analyzing how real users interact with the app, while feedback surveys collect opinions and suggestions from the users after they use the app. Both user testing and feedback surveys can help developers identify the strengths and weaknesses of their app, as well as the areas for improvement and optimization.
This article will explain how to conduct user testing and feedback surveys to evaluate your mobile app quality and what tools and platforms you can use to make the process easier and more efficient.
User Testing
User testing is a qualitative research method that involves observing and interviewing actual users as they use the app in a realistic or simulated environment. User testing can help developers understand how users perceive and experience the app, what problems or difficulties they encounter, and what features or functions they like or dislike.
User testing can be conducted at different stages of the app development process, such as:
Prototype testing: This is done when the app is still in the early stage of design and development, and the main goal is to validate the concept and functionality of the app. Prototype testing can help developers test the usability and feasibility of the app, as well as the user’s reaction and interest in the app.
Beta testing: This is done when the app is almost ready for launch, and the main goal is to test the performance and reliability of the app. Beta testing can help developers test the functionality and compatibility of the app, as well as the user’s satisfaction and loyalty to the app.
Post-launch testing: This is done after the app is released to the public, and the main goal is to test the user’s behavior and engagement with the app. Post-launch testing can help developers test the retention and conversion rates of the app, as well as the user’s feedback and reviews of the app.
To conduct user testing, developers need to follow these steps:
Define the objectives and scope of the test: Developers need to decide what they want to learn from the test, what aspects of the app they want to test, and what metrics they want to measure. For example, developers may want to try the app's usability, functionality, or aesthetics and measure metrics such as task completion rate, error rate, or satisfaction rate.
Recruit and select the participants: Developers need to find and invite users who match the target audience and persona of the app. The participants' number and characteristics depend on the test's type and purpose, but generally, developers should aim for a diverse and representative sample of users. For example, developers may want to recruit users with different ages, genders, backgrounds, or preferences.
Prepare the test materials and environment: Developers need to prepare the app prototype, beta version, or live version that they want to test, as well as the test scenarios, tasks, and questions they want to ask the users. Developers also need to set up the test environment, such as the device, network, or location that the users will use to access the app. Developers should ensure that the test materials and settings are realistic and relevant to the app and the users.
Conduct the test sessions: Developers need to conduct the test sessions with the users, either in person or remotely, depending on the availability and preference of the users. Developers should observe and record how the users interact with the app, what actions they take, what difficulties they face, and what emotions they express. Developers should also ask the users open-ended and probing questions to elicit their thoughts and opinions about the app.
Analyze and report the test results: Developers need to analyze and interpret the data and feedback collected from the test sessions and identify emerging patterns, trends, and insights. Developers should also report and communicate the test results to the relevant stakeholders, such as the app team, the clients, or the investors. Developers should highlight the key findings, recommendations, and action points that can help improve the app quality.
Feedback Surveys
Feedback surveys are a quantitative research method that involves asking and collecting user responses about their opinions and experiences with the app. Feedback surveys can help developers measure the user’s satisfaction, loyalty, and expectations with the app, as well as the user’s needs, preferences, and suggestions for the app.
Feedback surveys can be conducted at different points of the user journey, such as:
Onboarding surveys: These are done when the user first downloads and installs the app, and the main goal is to understand the user’s motivation and expectations for using the app. Onboarding surveys can help developers understand the users' needs and goals, as well as the users' initial impression and perception of the app.
In-app surveys: These are done when the user is using the app, and the main goal is to understand the user’s satisfaction and engagement with the app. In-app surveys can help developers understand the user’s behavior and interaction with the app and the user’s likes and dislikes of the app's features and functions.
Exit surveys: These are done when the user is leaving the app, either temporarily or permanently, and the main goal is to understand the user’s reason and feedback for leaving the app. Exit surveys can help developers understand the user’s retention and churn rate and the user’s complaints and suggestions for the app.
To conduct feedback surveys, developers need to follow these steps:
Define the objectives and scope of the survey: Developers need to decide what they want to learn from the survey, what aspects of the app they want to measure, and what questions they want to ask the users. For example, developers may want to measure the user’s satisfaction, loyalty, or expectation of the app and ask questions such as “How likely are you to recommend this app to a friend?” “What do you like most about this app?” or “What features would you like to see in the future?”
Design and create the survey: Developers must design and complete the study they want to send to the users using a survey tool or platform or creating their survey app. Developers should ensure the survey is clear, concise, and relevant to the app and the users. Developers should also use a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions, rating scales, multiple-choice, or free-text options, depending on the type and purpose of the question.
Distribute and collect the survey: Developers need to distribute and collect the study from the users, either via email, SMS, push notification, or in-app message, depending on the availability and preference of the users. Developers should also consider the timing and frequency of the survey, as well as the incentives and rewards for the users, to increase the response rate and quality of the survey. Developers should also ensure that the study complies with data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA.
Analyze and report the survey results: Developers need to analyze and interpret the data and feedback collected from the survey and identify the patterns, trends, and insights that emerge. Developers should also report and communicate the survey results to the relevant stakeholders, such as the app team, the clients, or the investors. Developers should highlight the key findings, recommendations, and action points that can help improve the app quality.
Tools and Platforms
User testing and feedback surveys can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for developers with limited resources and expertise. Fortunately, many tools and platforms can help developers conduct user testing and feedback surveys more quickly and efficiently. Some of the famous and practical tools and platforms are:
Appabrik Analytics: This feature allows developers to track and measure the user’s behavior and interaction with the app, such as the number of downloads, sessions, events, conversions, and more. Appabrik Analytics can help developers understand how the users use the app, what features or functions they use or ignore, and what problems or issues they encounter.
Appabrik Feedback: This feature allows developers to collect and manage the user’s feedback and reviews of the app, such as ratings, comments, suggestions, and complaints. Appabrik Feedback can help developers understand how the users feel and think about the app, what aspects of the app they like or dislike, and what improvements or enhancements they want to see.
Appabrik Surveys: This is a feature that allows developers to create and send surveys to users, either via email, SMS, push notifications, or in-app messages. Appabrik Surveys can help developers ask and collect the user’s opinions and experiences with the app, such as their satisfaction, loyalty, expectation.
Try it today and see how Appabrik can help you grow your app and business.