Moderated Usability Testing
Usability testing helps to give insight into how well your digital (e.g. website, intranet, mobile application) or non-digital (e.g. paper-based forms, bills) assets are meeting user needs and expectations.
Depending on project requirements, we may propose moderated usability testing, online usability testing or both. Moderated sessions provide deeper insights into why problems are occurring however online testing can enable results at a quantitative scale. We will recommend whichever approach best delivers the insights and data needed to address your research design questions.
Moderated usability testing involves one-on-one task-based interviews with users. The interview component offers a very focused way of understanding personal experiences and preferences regarding a particular topic. A major benefit of this method is the ability to directly observe users interacting with your product. It also enables probing into behaviours and preferences to understand user needs and expectations and provides a detailed qualitative evaluation.
We work closely with you to script the tasks and discussion topics to ensure we get the results you need.
We start each session with an introductory discussion before asking the participant to complete a series of tasks and conclude with a general discussion about their experience.
We are able to offer in-person or remote moderated usability testing.
For in-person usability testing, our dedicated on-site testing labs create a relaxed, comfortable and unbiased environment where participants are invited to express their thoughts and experiences. Stakeholders can sit behind a one-way mirror and directly observe the usability test as it takes place and have the opportunity to engage with the researcher moderator between sessions.
Where required, we are also able to conduct in-person usability testing on-site at a client’s location, albeit with a different observation experience.
Remote moderated usability testing is typically used when there is a desire to increase the geographical scope of research and there is not sufficient time or budget for travel. It is also beneficial for including participants that may find it difficult to attend U1’s, or a client’s, offices.
When conducting remote moderated usability testing we make use of video conferencing software to run the session.
Moderated usability testing sessions, whether in-person or remote, typically run for approximately 60 minutes.
The U1 Toolkit
To provide you with the clearest possible insights and help you deliver real outcomes, we tailor each project to include the right methods and activities from our extensive toolkit.
