In product design and development, getting it right on the first try is extremely rare. That’s why user testing has become a key phase in aligning product design with the real needs of the end user.
In this article, we explore why it is essential to test with real users during the early stages of development, what methodologies to use, and how to apply that feedback effectively.
Why test before industrializing product design?
Designing a product without first validating its actual use is taking an unnecessary risk. User feedback allows you to detect conceptual errors, usability issues, or functional details that are not visible in CAD. The sooner they are detected, the easier and cheaper it will be to correct them. This early validation phase not only avoids rework in more costly phases, but can also open up new opportunities for improvement or even redirect the project toward a more successful approach.
Prototypes and ideal phases for product design testing
There is no need to wait until you have a finished product. You can conduct proof-of-concept tests using basic physical models, 3D-printed prototypes, or even cardboard mockups. The important thing is that users can interact with the product in a realistic way so that you can observe their behavior, reactions, and any difficulties they encounter.
The most appropriate times for testing are usually:
- After the first functional version.
- Before defining final materials and processes.
- After each relevant iteration of the design.
Practical user testing methods for product design companies
There are multiple techniques for collecting qualitative and quantitative information during a testing session:
- Direct observation: Observe without intervening how the user interacts with the product. Ideal for detecting intuition failures or handling errors.
- Structured interviews: Once the test is complete, interviews with closed and open-ended questions can be conducted to understand the overall perception of the product.
- SUS or NPS questionnaires: These tools allow usability or satisfaction to be measured in a standardized way.
- Eye-tracking or usage recording: More advanced technologies allow us to detect where the user is looking, how they move, or what patterns they follow.
How to interpret the data and adjust the product design?
Collecting data is not enough. It must be analyzed judiciously and converted into improvements. To do this:
- Classify feedback into blocks: ergonomics, features, appearance, usability, etc.
- Detects common patterns among users.
- Distinguish between personal preferences and structural problems.
- Prioritize changes based on their impact on the experience and their implementation cost.
This approach avoids unnecessary redesigns and allows informed decisions to be made to improve product design based on real evidence.
Testing in an industrial environment: a necessity in applied prototyping
When the product is intended for use in industrial environments, testing must be adapted accordingly. It is essential that testing be carried out in real or simulated contexts: with gloves, noise, fatigue, repetitive movements, or specific environmental conditions. Only then can it be guaranteed that the final design will be truly functional in its application.
At I-MAS, we believe that a good product is born from the balance between technical solutions and user experience. That’s why we integrate user testing as an essential part of our product design and development process. Whether it’s for a startup launching its first design or an industrial company looking to optimize everyday equipment, we adapt our methodology to obtain real, actionable data.
As a multidisciplinary product design company, we accompany each client in validating their ideas through prototyping, iteration, and testing phases. Our goal is for each product to work, be understood, be easy to use, and generate value from the very first contact.
Want to learn more about our services? Contact us or visit our projects section!
