User Testing Think Aloud Script

user-testing-script.markdown

Preparation

• Print a copy of wireframes to use as paper prototypes
• Sharpie marker

Tip: You can use Photo Booth or iMovie to record video/audio from your Mac.

What is the job-to-be-done for this script?

• Make user comfortable
• Capture unbiased reactions

Avoid correcting the user, but keep things moving if they get stuck.

Intro

• My name is _______. I'm a designer at ______. I'm currently doing research and development on a new product, and would love your feedback.
• I'll ask a few background questions. Then, I'll show you a prototype and give you a scenario. Remember, you'll have to use your imagination a bit: this is just a sketch.
• Afterwards, I'll ask you a few follow-up questions. It will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
• If something doesn't make sense, let me know. This is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for.
• If it's ok with you, I'll video the exercise. This helps us remember your actual impression of the app. We won't share it outside of ________ (note that you should use a formal consent form).

Warm-up

• Survey: Name, Age

• What are some of the ways you save things for later?

• What kinds of things do you save from the web?

• What are some of the ways you organize things you save?

• What do you share?

  • How? What services do you use?

• What do you like about those services?

• Is there anything you wish you could do with them that you can't?

Exercise

• Imagine you just installed ______________. It says it's a _________ you can use to _________________. This is is a sketch of what it might look like.

• Please point out the things you see on screen and tell me what you think they are. Point out anything that seems unusual or confusing.

• Ok, let's explore a scenario. While we do it, try to "think aloud" about what is happening.

• Scenario 1:

  • You want to learn more about a band you recently discovered.
  • When you find what you're interested in, you'll probably want to save it.

• Scenario 2:

  • Maybe there are others out there that have similar musical tastes?
  • If you find them, you'll want to follow them and be updated.

• What do you expect when I _______?

  • How is it different from what you expected?
  • What do you expect to be able to do with it?
  • Please point out what you see on screen. What do you think it does?

• (After transitions, changes) What do you think just happened?

  • How is it different from what you expected?
  • Please point out what you see on screen. What do you think it does?

• Show me how you would _______. Go ahead -- try it.

Follow-up

• Is there anything you would like to see on this page that isn't here?

• Is there anything on this page that you would never use?

  • Why?

• (Handing user paper prototypes, sharpie) Are there any other customizations you would make?

  • Show me (encourage sketching onto paper prototype)