Article · ~12 min read

Usability Testing 101

Kate Moran · Nielsen Norman Group Free Beginner

A clean primer if you have never run a test. It defines the three pieces that matter (a facilitator who does not lead, realistic tasks, and participants who look like your real users) and explains moderated versus unmoderated and qualitative versus quantitative in plain terms. Good to read before your first session so you set it up right.

  • Give realistic tasks, not questions about opinions
  • The facilitator observes and never rescues the user
  • Recruit people who resemble your actual target users
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It answers 4 questions

  1. How do I know if my product is confusing to users?
  2. How do I show a prototype to users without biasing their reaction?
  3. How do I run a quick usability test on my app when I don't have a budget or a research team?
  4. How do I turn vague feedback like "the app feels clunky" into specific design changes I can actually make?

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