Four Regular Errors in User Testing Processes
User testing is an essential tool in the design process, but it requires more planning and preparation than it might initially seem. Here are some best practices to effectively structure user testing tasks and avoid common mistakes.
Defining Clear Goals
Specify what you want to measure—success rates, error rates, task completion times, or satisfaction. Every task should directly align with these goals to ensure meaningful data collection.
Writing Neutral, Goal-Focused Task Instructions
Avoid leading users or giving explicit directions. Instead of "Click the blue button to start," say "Begin the sign-up process." This prevents influencing user behavior artificially.
Using Plain and Concise Language
Tasks should be easy to understand, enabling users to approach the interface naturally without confusion.
Preparing a Detailed Test Plan
Include task instructions, success criteria, metrics, and an observation checklist to maintain consistency across sessions.
Piloting Your Test
Run the test on a small number of participants to detect confusing instructions, technical issues, or unintended cues before the full test.
Recruiting Appropriate Participants
For specialized products, select users who represent your target audience or who face the specific challenges the product addresses.
Collecting Both Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Use rating scales alongside open-ended questions to capture rich insights without bias.
Avoiding Over-Explaining Tasks or Guiding Users
Allow natural exploration to capture authentic user behavior and avoid distorted or biased results.
Analyzing Data Systematically
Look for recurring problems by frequency and severity to prioritize fixes.
Ensuring Legal and Ethical Compliance
Use consent forms explaining user rights and data usage to build trust and comply with privacy regulations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving overly detailed or leading instructions that hint at the "correct" way to complete a task, biasing results.
- Neglecting to pilot test, resulting in unclear tasks or technical problems during the main test.
- Failing to align tasks with clear, measurable goals, leading to vague or unusable data.
- Recruiting participants who do not represent actual users or the product’s use case.
- Ignoring user feedback or not following up on observed behaviors during the test.
- Poor organization and labeling of test cases/tasks, which can cause confusion and inconsistencies in testing and analysis.
By carefully planning tasks, keeping instructions neutral and goal-oriented, systematically observing user behavior, and analyzing results by severity and frequency, user testing becomes more reliable and actionable.
Please note that the header image for this article is from Usability Geek, with all rights reserved. It is a common misconception to think that user testing only involves throwing the product to users and analyzing the results. Each participant in a user testing session should carry out a series of tasks to replicate real-world usage. Intervening in user testing sessions, including directing, stopping, speaking to users mid-task, and providing specific task details can have a detrimental effect on the results. The primary role of testers in user testing sessions is observation, as findings depend on how the user performs tasks independently. Talking to users during user testing sessions can affect their performance and is not necessary, as questions can be covered at the beginning of each task.
During user testing, questions should be open and impartial, avoiding leading the user to a specific response. Avoid asking questions like 'did you like X feature?' or 'would you describe this product as exciting?' during user testing. Questions should not be loaded, meaning they should not suggest a particular answer or bias the results. Avoid asking questions that suggest the user failed a task due to difficulty or their own issues, such as 'did you fail the task because it was too hard?' or 'do you usually have problems with online payment procedures?'.
The image source for the header is Usability Geek.
In the design process, incorporating UI design and technology plays a pivotal role during user testing. For instance, UI design lends itself to creating neutral, goal-focused task instructions, as well as straightforward and unambiguous interfaces, making it easier for users to naturally approach the interface without confusion. On the other hand, technology ensures that the testing platform operates smoothly, preventing technical issues that may arise during user testing sessions.
