There are many different types of tests you may take on the UserTesting platform. We want you to feel prepared to complete these tests successfully. Below are the most common ones:
Site navigation test
This is a straightforward test type where you’ll be taken to the customer’s website and asked to perform tasks on the site while speaking your thoughts out loud.
An example of this would be shopping for a product on a retail website. You may be asked to add something to your cart and walk through the checkout experience (without making a purchase) while describing your likes and dislikes of the process.
In site navigation tests, it’s helpful to read the task instructions out loud to better understand what’s being asked of you. When completing each task, make sure to explain your thoughts and feelings as well.
Prototype test
Prototypes (or “wireframes”) are unfinished versions of sites or apps. When you complete a prototype test, it’s important to keep an open mind, since many parts of the prototype may not be interactive; the links won’t always work, images may not be in place (if there are any!), and they might contain filler text.
When completing a prototype test, make sure to read the instructions very carefully. Customers will often ask you to proceed until you reach a certain page, or may ask you to review a page without clicking on anything. Read more about how to complete prototype tests here.
Survey test
Survey tests consist of completing a survey on websites like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey. With this test type, it’s common to assume that you don’t need to explain your thoughts, but we ask that you always speak your thoughts out loud, unless explicitly told otherwise. Customers find it helpful to understand your reasoning when you select different options in a survey.
In survey tests, it’s important to answer all the questions you see until you reach a confirmation message that thanks you for your time or tells you that your responses have been submitted. You may need to scroll to the bottom of the page to see the “next” or arrow button to proceed to the next page of questions.
Card sort test
Card sorting is an activity where you’ll group items into categories that make sense to you. Customers use this activity to test the organization of their content.
In card sort tests, it’s important to remember to sort all of the cards provided and explain your reasoning for the way you group items. Read more about how to complete card sort tests here.
Tree test
Tree testing is an activity in which you will be asked to find a specific item within a set of menu options. Tree tests help developers tell whether their menus will make sense to their target audience.
In tree tests, it’s important to explain how confident you feel in your decisions when finding an item within the menu. Read more about tree tests here.
First click test
A first click test is an activity where you’ll only have one click to show how you would complete a task on a website. This activity helps developers determine the effectiveness of their site structure.
For example, you might be shown the homepage of a shopping website and asked how you would return an item you’ve purchased. You’ll only have one click to show where you would first click to complete this task, so take your time before clicking anything. Once you click somewhere on the site, your answer will be submitted and you’ll be taken to the next task.
In these tests, it’s important to explain the thinking behind your click selection. You won’t be able to go back once you use your click, so take your time before answering.
Comparison test
Comparison tests are just what they sound like. You’ll be asked to compare different experiences, which can include websites, apps, images, or descriptions of concepts.
When completing a comparison test, try to pay attention to the details so that you can give an informed opinion on which experience you prefer. It’s also important to keep track of the time when completing a comparison test. If you know you’ll be comparing two different websites, don’t spend all of your time on the first website! Make sure to allow for time to review both sites thoroughly.
App test
App tests are completed on your mobile device. These tests will require downloading the customer’s app before starting your test, which could be from your device’s app store, through the UserTesting App, or via Apple’s developer app called TestFlight.
In app tests, you’ll need to be comfortable switching between the UserTesting App and the customer’s app, just like you would switch between apps while using your phone on your own time. Read more about how to complete app tests here.
Face Recording test
Face Recording tests are tests where your webcam will be turned on so that your reactions and facial expressions are recorded while you complete the customer’s tasks. If you’re not comfortable having your webcam recorded, please do not accept these tests.
The content of the test could include any of the test types listed above, with the addition of your webcam turned on while you complete the test. You can identify these tests by the “Face Recording” badge on your desktop test feed, as well as the screener asking if you’re comfortable having your webcam recorded during the test. Read more about Face Recording tests here.
Live Conversation test
Live Conversation tests are scheduled tests where you’ll speak directly with a customer via a video conferencing tool. The customer may ask you to share your screen during your call and complete a set of tasks, or they may just ask you about your experiences and opinions.
In Live Conversation tests, it’s important to show up 15 minutes before your scheduled start time so that you can troubleshoot any issues that arise while joining. To join a desktop Live Conversation test, click the “Join Test” link from your dashboard. To join a mobile Live Conversation test, tap the “Join Interview” button in the reminder email you are sent. You’ll be taken to a browser page with details and a final “Join Interview” button. Read more about Live Conversation tests here.