8 usability testing tips to get the most out of your research

We've covered a lot in this guide. But before we wrap things up, we wanted to provide you with some useful tips to remember once you start running usability tests on your own. Let's take a look. 

1. Outline your objectives: create a test plan

To establish clarity and purpose in your usability testing, assemble your team members and put your heads together. Then, outline your research goals and create a comprehensive test plan. Define the goals you aim to achieve through the testing process, whether it’s uncovering usability issues, validating design decisions, or gathering feedback for iterative improvements.

Your test plan should include details such as:

• Scope of the test
• Target audience demographics
• Testing methods and UX tools
• Specific tasks or scenarios
• Criteria for success

Establish clear objectives and a structured plan to build a foundation for efficient and insightful usability tests that yield actionable results. For help structuring your test plan, check out our template gallery.

2. Recruit the right test participants 

Testing with real users—and the right participants—ensures you receive authentic feedback that accurately reflects your target audience's experiences. 

To recruit effectively, ask screener questions to target users who match your ideal user personas and usage patterns. Seek diversity in your participant pool to capture a wide range of perspectives and experiences, which can uncover usability issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. The UserTesting Contributor Network allows for demographic targeting from a large network of real users around the world.

While testing with a larger number of participants can be beneficial in some cases, it’s often more important to focus on recruiting a diverse group of individuals who effectively represent your target audience. Quality interactions with a smaller group often yield more insightful feedback than larger, less focused sessions.

3. Test your test

Conducting a small-scale trial test run is crucial before launching into full-fledged usability testing. This process involves running through your testing procedures, tasks, and materials to identify any potential issues or areas for improvement. By conducting a trial test run, you can uncover logistical challenges, clarify ambiguous instructions, and confirm that your test plan is effective.

This step allows you to refine your testing process and maximize the efficiency of your usability tests, saving time and resources in the long run. Additionally, a trial test helps build confidence in your testing approach, preparing you to conduct meaningful, valuable usability testing sessions.

4. Test early and often

Incorporate testing early during the product development process. Whether you’re working with concepts, mock-ups, wireframes, prototypes, or the final product, conducting regular usability tests throughout the process can identify and address potential issues early on.

After you’ve identified pain points and areas for improvement during the initial round of testing, don’t overlook the importance of running additional tests to validate the solutions you’ve implemented. This iterative approach allows your team to make effective changes that align with user needs and expectations.

5. Don’t get stuck on a single method

Embrace variety and flexibility in your testing approach. Combine methods like moderated vs. unmoderated testing, remote vs. in-person sessions, and guerilla testing to mix things up.

• Moderated tests involve direct interaction between the facilitator and the test participants, allowing for real-time observation and probing for deeper insights.
• Unmoderated tests offer scalability and cost-effectiveness, letting participants complete tasks remotely while recording their interactions.
• Remote usability testing enables access to a broader pool of participants regardless of their geographical location, while in-person testing sessions provide opportunities for more nuanced observations and rapport building.
• Guerilla usability tests involve testing in informal settings with minimal preparation, offering quick and low-cost insights from diverse participants. 

A combination of these tests allows you to gain a unique, in-depth look at how users view your product.

6. Focus on listening, not leading

“Ask users to articulate their thoughts as they proceed. Even if they make the ‘right’ selections, it can be very instructive to hear why they made that decision, as well as how they respond and feel throughout the process.” – Lisa Schneider, Chief Digital Product Officer, Merriam-Webster

Strategies prioritizing listening over leading during usability testing tend to garner genuine and unbiased user feedback. Begin by asking open-ended questions to encourage participants to express their thoughts freely without influence. To maintain neutrality, refrain from passing judgment, explaining, or emphasizing specific issues or features of the product.

As participants complete the task, encourage them to verbalize their thought process utilizing the Think Out Loud (TOL) technique. Observe users’ behavior closely, noting any challenges or insights without interrupting their flow. When in doubt, clarify participant responses or actions to ensure accurate interpretation.

Maintain a neutral demeanor to avoid influencing responses as you observe users interacting with your product. Pay close attention to participants’ feedback, as users can uncover usability issues you might otherwise miss. 

7. Embrace feedback

“Usability testing is the killing field of cherished notions.” – David Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics Emeritus at Oberlin College, Professor of Practice at Arizona State University

In product development, it’s vital to remain objective and receptive to user feedback. To avoid becoming too emotionally attached to your design, understand that its ultimate success lies in its usability and user effectiveness.

During usability testing sessions, embrace the feedback you obtain and recognize it as invaluable insight into how real users interact with your design. Then, prioritize making changes based on this feedback, even if it means deviating from your initial design vision. Remember, the primary goal is to create a user-centric product that meets its intended audience’s needs and expectations.

Staying objective and responsive to user feedback ensures your design evolves in a way that optimizes usability and enhances the overall UX.

8. Choose the right tools

Finally, to conduct efficient and insightful usability testing, choosing the right tools is essential. Explore a variety of tools and platforms to find the ones that best suit your testing objectives and budget.

Consider factors like the platform’s features, usability, scalability, and integration capabilities with your existing workflow. Look for tools that offer comprehensive analytics, customizable testing parameters, a variety of testing templates, and a seamless participant recruitment process. 

UserTesting for usability testing

Usability testing will always be an integral part of the product development lifecycle and great product design will always be built on a foundation of customer listening. To instill customer centricity across your teams, it’s important to choose the right solution that can grow with your organization. 

UserTesting is the industry’s leading, end-to-end solution for customer feedback. From its usability and pool of participants, to its functionalities, integrations and AI features, there’s no better starting point for creating an in-depth understanding of your users. If you’re interested in how UserTesting can transform your organization, go here to get started.