Hi there,
This is the thirty sixth edition of D&T Special, a more in-depth view of topics that interest the Canvs team. Today’s topic – 1925 or 2025, usability testing is always around.
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✍️ From the Canvs Research & Editorial Desk
Usability has been around longer than most people think. It became a serious discipline during World War II, when pilots struggled with poorly designed controls, and split-second mistakes could cost lives. Researchers started studying how humans interact with machines, making usability a matter of survival. A few decades ago, as computers became mainstream, usability shifted from military equipment to everyday interfaces. Back then, software usability meant detailed manuals and training sessions. Today, there’s no time for that—if an app isn’t intuitive, people abandon it. Usability testing has adapted to this shift, focusing on real-world behavior rather than just technical correctness.
This week the Canvs R&E team has spent some time pondering this concept, let’s dive into some details.
Early usability tests were slow and structured—users sat in labs, followed step-by-step instructions, and researchers measured how well they completed tasks. But software today moves fast, and people use it in unpredictable ways. Modern usability testing isn’t just about fixing friction; it’s about understanding real-world behavior. Here we talk about what are the key differences in the older vs the modern methods of usability testing.
Key takeaways from this read:
1. Speed and cost have drastically improved
Usability testing used to take weeks and require expensive labs with specialized equipment. Now, with remote testing and AI-powered analytics, teams can get usability insights in a matter of hours—without breaking the bank. This shift allows for continuous testing and rapid design improvements that fit within lean workflows.
2. Access to global and diverse users is easier
Digital tools have made it easier to reach a global audience for usability testing, but one challenge remains: finding the right users. Diverse participants don’t always mean relevant feedback. A well-defined target audience is still key to getting insights that truly improve the user experience.
3. AI enhances testing, but human insight is irreplaceable
AI tools can analyze heatmaps, track facial expressions, and even predict usability issues before they arise. But raw data alone doesn’t lead to better design. Understanding user behavior and making the right decisions still require human expertise—something no algorithm can replace.
📰 In other news
✨ Product find of the week
Control is a browser-based tool that enables designers to create and launch custom websites with freehand editing, built-in animations, and instant previews. It offers seamless integrations and a Next.js SDK for adding custom code.
Some highlights from the past month of D&T
And that’s the lot! Thanks for checking out what we had to share with you this week, we shall catch up with you next Wednesday. Incase you aren’t subscribed to the newsletter, you could subscribe here.
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