Overview
A/B testing is the most crucial technique used in experimenting with two variables to determine which provides better results. The method is usually associated with websites and applications. According to Fung, the technique has existed for almost a century. Multivariate involves using mathematics to pick and run particular subsets while presuming others from the statistics.
A/B Testing is “Suboptimal”
Sequential tests are suboptimal since one may not measure what occurs when both aspects involved act together. For instance, in websites’ subscription buttons, some users may prefer the red button with a combination of Arial font, while others would choose the blue one. The results obtained might be absent in the A/B testing since the typeface focuses on the blue button characterized by many people even before the test.
However, Fung insists that more complex tests should be conducted to obtain needed results. It can be challenging for some managers since A/B tests are simple and straightforward. Fung maintains that most people planning the experiments may not have the necessary statistical experience. When using A/B testing, big numbers are operated concurrently in significant parts since the brain stumbles on the number of possible combinations that can be tested. Nevertheless, using mathematics, a person can pick and run given subsets of the tests and then deduce the rest from the data.
Proper Conditions Needed to Execute a Statistically Valid A/B Testing
To use A/B testing, an individual first needs to decide what to test. Fung uses an example of the size of a subscribe button on most websites. When carrying out the test, individuals need to assess how the subscribe button is working, including taking the metric as the number of individuals who click the button. To carry out the test, individuals need to have several users automatically assigned when they visit the website with different versions where the size of the subscribe button varies and determine what affects the success of the metric.
For successful A/B testing, people need to monitor variables that are hard to manipulate since they will have a substantial effect on the results. For example, mobile users are likely to click less as compared to those using a desktop. Through randomization, one set may have a lower rate of clicks despite the size of the button. To ensure that both have the same likelihood of being selected, the test should separate desktop and mobile users and assign each set randomly.
Advantages of Multivariate Testing VS Sequential A/B Testing
Multivariate has several advantages over sequential A/B testing. Firstly, multivariate testing allows marketers to compare various categories of a certain campaign. Through sequential A/B testing, it is impossible to realize the interactions between two variables on the same operation. Secondly, multivariate can be used to show interactions between several variables, while sequential A/B testing is limited to only one or two variables. Lastly, multivariate testing can reveal a trend about the performance of campaign elements. For people to use multivariate testing, this solution depends on what operations they want to perform having in mind the shortcomings of the other test.
On the other hand, multivariate has several disadvantages. Firstly, it can be impractical while managing a number of campaigns where multiple variants are not defined. Secondly, this type of testing may take a while to start running. However, the choice of testing platform depends on the operation an individual wants to conduct.