Here's how to quickly get started with UX testing
If you've never created a usability test before, you may not know quite how to get started and how much time to schedule. So here's a step-by-step guide with time estimates for each phase. If you follow these tips, you can't really go wrong :)
Note: The time estimates are for self-service. You will save many hours of time if you choose our full service. You can find more information here.
Step 1: Define the goal (5 minutes)
- What questions do you want the test to answer?
- What are your expectations of the test results? Do you want to uncover optimization potentials or convince stakeholders?
- With your goals in mind, you then create the test concept.
Step 2: Determine the sample and write test items (10-60 minutes)
Even without the full-service package, you can have unmoderated tests created by a UX expert: Should you set up the test yourself or have it created by experts?
If you create the test yourself these links will be helpful:
- How many testers do you need?
- How should the target group be narrowed down?
- Formulation of the test items (basics)
- Our guide to creating successful test concepts
In the case of moderated tests and interviews, you now also schedule the dates on which your sessions are to take place.
Step 3: Testing phase
Unmoderated testing (approx. 24h).
- How long it takes to receive all videos depends on the test size and the target group.
- However, you will usually receive the first videos after a few hours.
- Use the waiting time to plan and prepare the evaluation and optimization phase (step 4 + 5). This will make the rest of the test process less stressful.
Moderated tests & interviews (approx. 3 days)
- How long it takes until all appointments are assigned, and the sessions are conducted depends on the test size and target group.
- You will usually receive the first appointments within 24h, the more slots you provide the faster appointments will be made.
- Use the waiting time to optimize your test or interview guide and to plan and prepare the evaluation and optimization phase (step 4 + 5). This will make the rest of the testing process less stressful. While you are conducting the tests, you can take notes and assign tags, so you save a lot of time during the evaluation. More on moderated tests & interviews.
Step 4: Evaluation and follow-up of the tests (test duration*1.5)
Should I do the evaluation myself or use experts?
If you evaluate yourself:
- Be sure to schedule enough time!
- Rule of thumb: 30 minutes per video
- How to get the most out of your evaluation
Please also rate the tester after you have watched a video. This helps our invitation algorithm, because testers with a high average rating are invited to tests more often. In addition, we replace test subjects if you were dissatisfied. Read more about our 100% satisfaction guarantee here.
Step 5: Implement optimizations (duration depends on scope and effort).
- Identify usability problems: In any case, expect the test to reveal usability problems that need to be fixed.
- Identify involved departments: It is best to think about which departments might be involved in the optimizations before the evaluation and prepare them for this.
- Customize interface: Make the necessary changes to the interface. If needed, our UX experts are also on hand to advise you.
Next Steps: Retest your optimizations
To make sure that your optimizations hit the spot, you should always test them again – either in the form of a prototype (which we recommend) or when they are live.
With RapidUsertests you can also test specific areas of your website/app, prototypes, newsletters, ads and much more. Learn what else you can test and optimize.