Recipe
Usability Testing
A structured recipe for running lightweight usability tests on your product. Learn what to prepare, how to moderate, and how to turn observations into actionable fixes.
Prep
- Recruit 5 participants matching your target persona.
- Write 3–5 task scenarios — avoid leading language.
- Set up screen recording and a quiet environment.
- Pilot the test with a colleague to catch script flaws.
Moderation
- Start with a think-aloud prompt: “Narrate what you’re doing.”
- Never help — if stuck, ask “What would you try next?”
- Take timestamped notes on hesitations, errors, and workarounds.
- End with a 5-minute debrief to capture subjective impressions.
Synthesis
- Transcribe critical moments — don’t log every click.
- Group issues by severity: blocker, friction, cosmetic.
- Map each issue to a specific UI element or flow step.
- Share a one-page summary with the team within 24 hours.
Cadence
Run a micro-test (2 users) every sprint. Full 5-user rounds quarterly. Pair with analytics to validate qualitative signals.