How do designers typically assess a product's usability?

Designers typically assess a product's usability by conducting user testing, which is a crucial step in understanding how real users interact with a product. This method involves observing users as they complete specific tasks with the product, allowing designers to gain insights into how effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily the product meets the users' needs.

User testing helps identify issues and areas for improvement by providing direct feedback from the intended audience. It also allows designers to observe the context in which a product is used, capturing nuances that theoretical research or market trends may not adequately reveal. By understanding user behavior, preferences, and pain points, designers can make informed adjustments to enhance overall usability, creating a more user-friendly product that aligns with actual user experiences.