Beta Brews 2025: UX Testing for Upcoming Inventory Management App
B3 Software participated in the Beta Brews beta testing event on September 11, during Honolulu Tech Week. We’ve been sponsors of this event since 2023 and have conducted UX (user experience) tests in various forms: brainstorming perfect software built with B3 Blocks, Wizard-of-Oz style paper mockups, and proof-of-concept digital prototypes. This time, we tested a major new feature in the Count Control inventory management app: the offline mode.
Beta Brews participants thought we were gathering general feedback on UX and features—but we were actually observing how they handled delays in the app’s offline mode.
Why We Tested the Offline Mode
We heard from many users, from field service technicians to food truck vendors, that limited or no cell coverage is a major challenge. The offline mode is not just a technical problem; it’s a user experience problem too. Online is ideal because it keeps everything connected, but too much buffering is simply unusable. Our goal was to validate user tolerance for lag time before the inventory tracking app switches into offline mode.
UX Testing Setup for Count Control
The test scenario was simple:
“You are a technician on your first day on the job. You’re working in a basement with limited cell coverage. Your boss asked you to take inventory of supplies in the closet and left for the day. Here’s your phone with the Count Control app. Take the inventory.”
We tested three variables:
- Delay = How many seconds between submitting counts and the success message
- Feedback = Whether the app gives engaging feedback or just shows a loading animation
- Number of items = A few items versus a full inventory list
Observing User Reactions
During each test, we recorded user actions and asked testers to rate their frustration level after completing the task.
Findings:
- Users tolerated delays up to 15 seconds. At 20 seconds, frustration peaked.
- First delays were more frustrating than subsequent ones since expectations adjust over time.
- Testers disliked a simple loading animation and preferred meaningful feedback during the wait, confirming a well-known UX design principle.
Loading image used in Beta Brews test.
How do you spot frustration? Look for excessive tapping, wandering eyes, or even muttering threats about smashing the phone. Interestingly, most testers rated themselves as “not frustrated,” which shows that actions often reveal more than surveys alone.
Beta Brews had a relaxed atmosphere with great beer, pizza, and networking. With these factors at play, we know our results can’t be 100% accurate. A restaurant employee or field tech at the end of a long shift, trying to do a quick inventory alone, might be quicker to get frustrated. Still, the feedback will help us make a better estimate of the appropriate lag time.
Additional Insights for Field Service Inventory Apps
Beyond offline mode, testers gave feedback on colors, button placement, and wording in our mobile inventory software. Our next step is validating these findings with technicians, janitors, and other field service professionals who rely on inventory tracking apps daily.
At B3 Software, we value quality user experience in any custom software or product we make. We will use this UX research to improve our app as we get ready for launch.
Learn more about the Count Control App
We are thankful we got the opportunity for real-world UX testing at Beta Brews. With these valuable insights, we are that much closer to launching the Count Control app. If you are interested in learning more about the inventory management app or if you’d like to be notified upon its release, please visit CountControl.ai.