Usability testing day checklist
- Send a reminder email to participants at least 1 hour prior to the session.
- Create a notes document for each session (make a copy of the note-taking template🔒) and send it to the note-taker. Only use participant ID, not personally identifiable information (PII, e.g. names)!
- Be sure any modifications you want to make to the script (based on learnings from past sessions) are done.
- Have tabs open for all the materials you will need during the session:
- Script - be sure this is open on the screen where your camera is, so you appear to look at the participant as you talk (no side face!)
- Prototype
- Notes doc (less important for facilitator)
- Relatedly, close unneeded apps and tabs to reduce clutter.
- Log in to the video conferencing platform at least 10 to 15 minutes before the session starts.
- Be sure the waiting room for the meeting is enabled (if applicable).
- Start the meeting at least 5 minutes before the session is scheduled to start.
- Right before you start the session, mute all notifications.
- Plan to spend the first 10 to 15 minutes setting up.
- Assist the participant with the video conferencing software if needed. For example, make sure they know how to locate the chat and use screen share features.
- Ensure needed assistive tech is working properly for your research needs. For example, ensure you can hear their screen reader.
- Encourage them to use their current preferred assistive tech settings. Do not ask them to change any settings. (For example, their screen reader may be set to high speed)
- If they were unable to complete the consent form ahead of time, read through it, invite questions, and obtain a verbal consent from them.
- Let participants know that they can stop participating at any time if they wish and still receive full compensation.
- Go over the purpose of the study and what to expect (e.g. "I’ll ask you to share your screen and think out loud while using a site.")
- Ask for permission to record the session before starting the recording.
- Build rapport before asking any sensitive questions. Be warm, friendly, and engaged. Read social cues to determine if and how to ask potentially sensitive questions.
- Before the participant shares their screen, ask them to minimize or close any windows they do not want you to see or do not want captured in the recording.
- Don't talk over the screen reader. Pause and wait for the screen reader to finish before you ask the participant a question or to complete a task.
- Pay attention to the participants’ energy levels throughout the session. Offer breaks or to end the session early if appropriate.
- At the end of the session:
- End the recording. Ensure the recording will be saved in the place you intend (such as in the cloud).
- Tell them how much they will be paid and how (e.g. $100 virtual gift card emailed within 5 business days). Confirm the best email address to send payment.
- Ask if it's ok to contact them with follow-up questions.
- Ask if they might be interested in participating in future research studies, and ask if they know anyone else who might be interested that they could connect us with.
- Thank them for their time and reiterate how helpful their feedback is to us.
