The usability of a system is a critical factor in determining how well users interact with software or products. When it comes to measuring user experience, the System Usability Scale (SUS) remains one of the most widely used and effective tools. Originally developed by John Brooke in 1986, this simple yet robust questionnaire helps product designers, developers, and usability professionals evaluate the overall ease of use of a system. A SUS template provides a standardized method to collect data on usability and is applicable across a variety of industries and digital interfaces.
Understanding the System Usability Scale
What Is SUS?
The System Usability Scale is a 10-item Likert-type questionnaire designed to assess the perceived usability of a system or interface. Each item is scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), and the final SUS score ranges from 0 to 100. Despite its simplicity, the SUS is remarkably reliable and has become a go-to instrument in UX research and testing environments.
Why Use a SUS Template?
Using a pre-designed SUS template ensures consistency in data collection, making it easier to benchmark and compare usability scores over time or between different systems. Templates also streamline the process of analyzing responses, making it faster for teams to spot usability issues and determine how users perceive their experience.
Structure of the System Usability Scale Template
Standard Questionnaire Items
Below is the commonly used set of 10 questions found in a typical SUS template:
- I think that I would like to use this system frequently.
- I found the system unnecessarily complex.
- I thought the system was easy to use.
- I think that I would need the support of a technical person to be able to use this system.
- I found the various functions in this system were well integrated.
- I thought there was too much inconsistency in this system.
- I would imagine that most people would learn to use this system very quickly.
- I found the system very cumbersome to use.
- I felt very confident using the system.
- I needed to learn a lot of things before I could get going with this system.
Scoring Method
The SUS scoring method involves converting each individual response into a number that can be used to calculate a total score. For odd-numbered items (1, 3, 5, 7, 9), subtract 1 from the user’s score. For even-numbered items (2, 4, 6, 8, 10), subtract the score from 5. Then, sum the adjusted scores and multiply the total by 2.5 to obtain the overall SUS score out of 100.
How to Use the SUS Template Effectively
When to Use
SUS can be administered during usability testing sessions, after a user completes a task or set of tasks, or after prolonged use of a product. It’s especially helpful when comparing different iterations of a system or comparing one product against competitors.
Best Practices
- Maintain neutrality: Avoid influencing user responses with pre-testing discussion or feedback.
- Pair with task performance data: SUS should complement other usability metrics such as time-on-task, error rate, and satisfaction ratings.
- Target your audience: Ensure participants represent the actual user base of the system or product.
- Use plain language: Ensure respondents understand each statement clearly without ambiguity.
Advantages of Using SUS
Universality
SUS is platform-agnostic and works equally well for desktop software, mobile apps, websites, embedded systems, and even physical products. This flexibility makes it a universal tool in the usability toolkit.
Quick and Easy Implementation
The questionnaire only takes about one to two minutes to complete, and the scoring process is straightforward. It’s ideal for projects where resources or time may be limited.
Reliable Benchmarking
Because SUS is widely used, there is a large pool of comparative data available. A SUS score above 68 is considered above average, allowing companies to quickly benchmark their product usability.
Actionable Feedback
Though the SUS doesn’t provide diagnostic detail, the overall score gives a clear indicator of usability perception, which can guide further user research or product improvements.
Limitations and Considerations
Lack of Specificity
SUS provides an overall usability score but doesn’t specify what aspects are good or bad. It’s often necessary to follow up with user interviews or observations for deeper insights.
Assumes Equal Weight
Each of the 10 items contributes equally to the final score, even though some issues may be more critical than others. This may skew perceptions in edge cases or complex systems.
Cultural and Language Barriers
Translating the SUS into different languages or applying it in cross-cultural settings may affect response accuracy. Localization and context-sensitive rewording may be necessary.
Creating a SUS Template for Your Team
Digital Formats
A SUS template can be created using online survey tools like Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, or Typeform. Simply copy and paste the 10 SUS items and add a five-point Likert scale for each item.
Paper-Based Templates
For in-person sessions or low-tech environments, printable templates work well. Include instructions, the list of items, and a place for users to mark their responses.
Customizing the Template
While the original questions should remain unchanged to retain validity, you can customize the introductory text or combine the SUS with other open-ended questions such as:
- What features did you find most useful?
- Was there anything you found confusing or difficult?
The System Usability Scale template is a valuable resource for anyone involved in user experience testing and product design. Its standardized format, ease of use, and broad applicability make it a trusted instrument for quickly gauging user satisfaction. Whether you are assessing a new app interface, a website overhaul, or a software feature, incorporating the SUS into your usability testing process can provide critical insights that lead to a better, more user-friendly product. By using a well-structured SUS template, you ensure consistent data collection and empower your team to make informed design decisions based on real user feedback.