Proven Approaches for Testing User Efficiency on Screen Devices

How long does it take users to complete specific tasks?

It provides a direct measure of efficiency. Faster completion times (without errors) usually indicate better design and usability.

Users are given specific tasks (e.g., “Save a file” or “Book a flight”). The time it takes to complete each task is recorded.

Average time to complete tasks, completion rate.

The percentage of users who can successfully complete a task without assistance.

A higher success rate indicates that the interface or system is intuitive and efficient.

Users attempt tasks without guidance. If they succeed without major issues or assistance, it's counted as a success.

Task completion rate, error-free completion rate.

Efficiency is calculated by calculating the number of keystrokes, mouse clicks, and mental operations needed to perform a task.

It helps predict task completion time based on the number and type of actions required.

Break down each task into individual steps (e.g., keystrokes, mouse movements). Apply predefined time values for each action (e.g., 0.2 seconds per click).

Estimated task time, number of steps.

How easy it is for new users to perform tasks and how efficiently they can do so after a brief introduction.

Focuses on the user’s ability to learn and efficiently use a system without significant prior experience.

Usability experts simulate users performing tasks, focusing on how they interact with the system and potential issues they may face. Steps are evaluated to determine if the user would know what to do at each point.

Potential learning curves, time to proficiency.

Users’ thought processes while completing tasks.

Provides insight into why users might struggle with efficiency. Hearing users' thought processes while they work helps identify bottlenecks or confusing elements.

Users verbalise their thoughts as they perform tasks (e.g., “I’m not sure what this button does”). Testers note where users hesitate or encounter issues.

Cognitive load, areas of confusion, and hesitation time.

Where users click first when trying to complete a task.

The first click often determines the success or failure of task efficiency. A correct first click typically leads to a faster and more efficient task completion.

Present users with a task scenario (e.g., “Find where to book a ticket”). Record their first click to see if it brings them closer to task completion.

First-click success rate, time to first click.

Where users are looking on the screen and how their eyes move through the interface.

Helps identify inefficiencies, such as users looking in the wrong areas or scanning a page multiple times before finding what they need.

Use eye-tracking hardware to monitor users’ gaze patterns while completing tasks.

Gaze heat-maps, time to fixate on the correct area, scan paths.

The number and types of errors users make while performing tasks.

High error rates indicate usability issues that negatively impact efficiency. Reducing errors can improve user flow and task speed.

Record every mistake users make during task performance. Analyse error types (e.g., misclicks, wrong inputs, backtracking).

Total number of errors, types of errors, and recovery time.

Users' perceived efficiency and satisfaction after completing tasks.

Direct user feedback on how efficient the system feels to them can uncover hidden usability issues.

After completing tasks, users fill out a standardised survey (SUS) that measures perceived usability.

Overall usability score, user satisfaction, and perceived ease of use.

Comparison between two design variations to determine which version allows users to complete tasks more efficiently.

It provides a clear, data-driven understanding of which design improves task efficiency.

Users are split into groups, and each group is given a different interface to test. Efficiency metrics such as time-on-task and error rate are compared

Task completion time, user preference, and success rate.

Average time taken to finish tasks.

Number of errors made while completing tasks.

Percentage of tasks successfully completed.

Whether the user’s first action leads to task completion.

Measures user satisfaction and perceived ease of use.