FAQ Topic: Usability Testing

Introduction to remote moderated usability testing, part 1: What and why Introduction to remote moderated usability testing, part 2: How 18F Usability Testing Guide How to run a remote usability testing

With testing complete take time to analyze and summarize the results of your tests. Find insights you gained, areas of improvement and recommendations to take to the product team. It helps to have a deliverable report that summarizes data, observations, and actionable steps the team can take to build off of the outcomes of testing.

Ask permission to record the session and try to make the tester comfortable before getting started. Assure that you are testing the product and not the user to help ease any discomfort around technology. Remind him or her to be honest with feedback and to talk through challenges and thoughts out loud as they perform … Continued

The test script provides structure to your test and will help you run each session consistently. The script should include: Introductory questions to provide context for the test and help make the tester comfortable “How do you typically find information about City programs?” “Have you planned an event that required working with the City?” “What … Continued

Find volunteers that meet a profile that best fits the scenario you are trying to test. Use social media and email promotions to find volunteers to test your prototype or product. Ask your colleagues if they know any experts or regulars who would be a good fit. Consider testing at least 5 users to get … Continued

What product or service are you developing or improving that needs to be tested? Select typical tasks and scenarios that a person would follow when engaging with the service/product. The test will help determine how easy or difficult it is to accomplish. Examples: A parent wants to rent a picnic table at a park for … Continued