Which testing method involves assessing how a new system handles high usage volumes?

Volume testing is the method specifically designed to assess how a new system manages a large volume of transactions or data. It focuses on evaluating the system's performance, stability, and responsiveness when subjected to high usage scenarios. This is important because it helps identify any potential bottlenecks or failures that might occur under heavy load, ensuring that the system can function efficiently in real-world scenarios where high usage is expected.

By conducting volume testing, organizations can ensure that their systems are robust and capable of supporting their operational requirements without experiencing issues such as slowdowns or crashes during peak times. This method is critical for systems anticipated to handle significant user interactions or large data processes, making it essential for performance optimization.

The other methods mentioned involve different focuses: user acceptance testing evaluates whether the system meets user needs and specifications, realistic data testing ensures that typical data sets are processed correctly, and contrived testing often relies on artificially generated scenarios rather than real-world conditions. Thus, volume testing is uniquely suited for assessing scalability and performance under high-demand situations.