Testing designs, whether internal or by the user base, are an effective way to provide evidence on which design direction to go. Setting up and executing the tests is followed up by analyzing the results in context with other findings such as analytics.
For complex website processes or controversial design decisions, usability testing provides evidence that shows exactly what users might think or do when interacting with a website. Usability testing can be used to help with readability of logos, understanding certain terminology, knowing what to click first, or even what stands out in a design. There are various types of usability testing, from in-person interviews, to online A/B testing tools.