There are many types of tests you might take as a contributor. We want you to feel confident and prepared before you start testing, so here’s a list of definitions and tips for each type:
- Site navigation tests
- Prototype tests
- Surveys
- Card sorts
- Tree tests
- Click tests
- Comparison tests
- App tests
- Face Recording tests
- Live Conversations
Site navigation tests
During a site navigation test, you visit a customer’s website and complete a set of tasks while speaking your thoughts out loud.
For example, a customer might ask you to act as if you’re shopping for a product. During the test, one of your tasks might be to add something to your cart and go through the checkout screens while you describe what you like or dislike about the experience.
It’s helpful to read the task instructions out loud. Thinking out loud isn’t just useful for you—your thoughts are valuable to the customer, too! So, as you complete each task, explain your thoughts and feelings so the customer understands your experience.
Prototype tests
Prototypes (or “wireframes”) are unfinished versions of sites or apps. It’s important to keep an open mind when you take a prototype test since much of the prototype might not work yet. For example, you might notice you can’t click on any links or that images or text are missing. Instead of focusing on the incomplete parts of the prototype, focus your attention on the customer’s instructions.
Read the instructions very carefully. Customers will often ask you to interact with the prototype in a specific way or order. For example, the customer might want you to view the prototype first without actually clicking on anything. Paying close attention to the instructions is the best way to make sure your test goes smoothly and that your feedback is useful. Learn more about prototype tests.
Surveys
During a survey, you answer a set of questions so the customer understands your attitudes and opinions. For example, you might answer single- or multiple-choice questions or use a rating scale to respond to questions or statements. The main difference between surveys and other test types is you don’t need to think out loud. Learn more about taking surveys.
When you take a test that requires you to record your screen and audio, customers can provide links to external surveys (available on websites like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey). During external surveys, you should think out loud to explain how and why you answer the questions (unless the customer lets you know it’s not required).
Card sorts
During a card sort, you group items into categories that make sense. Because this activity is about how you understand different concepts or ideas, there aren’t any right or wrong answers.
It’s very important to sort each card. If you’re confused and unsure how to sort a card—that’s okay! All feedback is helpful feedback. Explain your confusion to the customer and organize the cards to the best of your ability. Learn more about card sorts.
Tree tests
When you take a tree test, you look for a specific item within a set of menu options. Tree tests help customers improve how users navigate their websites and apps.
Explain how confident or uncertain you feel as you search for the item. This feedback allows the customer to understand where users might expect to find different types of content within their product experiences. Learn more about tree tests.
Click tests
When you take a click test, the customer will ask you to click an area on the screen to show where you would complete a particular task. Click tests allow customers to understand user expectations.
For example, a customer might direct you to the homepage of a shopping website and ask how you would return an item you’ve purchased. To answer this question, you’ll simply click on the web page. You might click on a menu, button, or link—wherever makes the most sense.
It is important to explain why you clicked on a certain area and what you expect to happen in these tests.
You only have one chance to click on the screen, so take your time before clicking anything. Once you click somewhere on the site, you’ll submit your answer and move on to the next task.
Comparison tests
Comparison tests are just what they sound like. You compare experiences, including websites, apps, images, or concepts for new products. During these tests, the customer wants to know which experience you like better and why. Pay close attention to the details of each option so you can explain how they’re different and what about those differences makes you prefer one over the other.Keep track of the time when completing a comparison test. If you know you’re comparing two different websites, don’t spend all of your time on the first website! Make sure to allow time to review both sites thoroughly.
App tests
You download the customer’s app on your mobile device for an app test. Sometimes, you might share feedback on an existing experience. Other times, the customer might ask you to try an unreleased app.
What a customer might want you to test within their app experience can vary, so pay close attention to the test instructions and remember to think out loud. Learn more about app tests.
Face Recording tests
Face Recording tests involve turning on your webcam to record your reactions and facial expressions while you complete the customer’s tasks (which could include any of the other test types).
The Face Recording badge on your test feed allows you to identify these tests. Please don't accept a Face Recording test if you’re uncomfortable recording your webcam. Learn more about Face Recording.
Live Conversations
During a Live Conversation, you speak directly with a customer via a video conferencing tool (like Zoom). The customer might ask you to share your screen during the call and complete tasks, or they might ask about your experiences and opinions.
Make sure to show up 15 minutes before your scheduled start time so you can troubleshoot any technical issues. Learn more about Live Conversations.