How can you conduct user testing for mobile apps with limited language skills?

2 Adapt your test methods

The second step is to adapt your test methods to suit your users' language skills and preferences. For example, you can use visual aids, such as icons, images, or emojis, to convey your instructions or questions, and to elicit reactions from your users. You can also use simple and clear language, avoid jargon and slang, and use short sentences or phrases. You can also ask your users to perform tasks or scenarios that are relevant to their context and culture, and observe their behavior and gestures. Additionally, you can use quantitative methods, such as ratings, scales, or multiple-choice questions, to measure your users' satisfaction, usability, or performance, as they are easier to understand and translate than qualitative methods, such as open-ended questions or comments.

3 Validate your results

The third step is to validate your results and ensure that you have captured the true voice of your users. You can do this by comparing your results with other sources of data, such as analytics, reviews, or feedback forms, that can provide insights into your users' behavior, preferences, or issues. You can also cross-check your results with other users or experts who speak the same language or have the same cultural background as your test participants, and ask them to verify or explain your findings. Furthermore, you can test your app with different groups of users who have different levels of language skills, and see if there are any patterns or discrepancies in their responses.

4 Learn and improve

The final step is to learn from your user testing and improve your app accordingly. You can use the feedback and data you collected to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your app, and prioritize the areas that need improvement. You can also use the insights you gained to understand your users' needs, expectations, and preferences, and tailor your app to fit their context and culture. Moreover, you can use the lessons you learned to refine your user testing process and tools, and make them more effective and efficient for future tests.

User testing for mobile apps with limited language skills can be challenging, but not impossible. By following these tips, you can conduct user testing that can help you create a better app for your global audience.