To test visual design (page layout, color, graphics, and so on), we typically use tools that test an actual working site with production graphics or tools that test a screenshot of a given page (often mocked up in something like Photoshop).

First-click testing

If we want to find out if a particular placement of a control (or its size or shape or color) is effective or not, we can use the first-click tools described in Testing navigation.

Multi-click testing

If we're interested in testing more complex interactions (up to and including actual use of the working site), then we can use the "full-on" usability testing tools described in Testing overall usability.

Next: Testing content

Tree Testing for Websites

Testing visual design

First-click testing

Multi-click testing