Review this article to learn what to expect as you prepare for your session using the Seamless Desktop Recorder.
Getting Started
Introduction to the recorder
After you complete the microphone check during the recorder setup, you’ll review an animation of how to navigate between the task instructions and the content you'll give feedback on during your test.
With the task instructions open, you’ll review the test content the customer has provided. You'll need to keep the task instructions open during the entire session.
Example: A customer may ask you to visit the webpage for their company and explain how easy or difficult it is to find a selection of products.
📌 The clip below offers a preview of this experience :
Tips for success
When you have a good understanding of how you’ll switch between the task instructions and test content, click “Next” to review a few tips to make sure you’re prepared to provide feedback. You'll also have the option to watch a video with more guidance.
Starting the session
To continue to the session, click the “Start recording” button, and a countdown will begin.
Providing Your Feedback
The recorder basics
Once the countdown has finished, the session will begin. On the page that opens you’ll see a red recording symbol to show that the recorder is now capturing your screen. Next to this symbol, you’ll find a timer that keeps track of the time you’ve spent on the test.
You’ll also see the Scenario on this page. The Scenario is the mindset you should adopt throughout the session. Doing so will help you step into the shoes of the target customer.
Example: If the scenario states: “...you are looking to buy a new pair of trainers…,” do your best to pretend that you’re really buying new trainers, even if you’re not really interested in making this kind of purchase.
Navigating between the task instructions and test content
When you have a clear understanding of the scenario and what’s expected of you, click the “Open test page” button. This button will open the test page in a new tab. This test page includes the content you should review during the test. After this page has opened, return to the page that displays the Scenario, by clicking on the first tab.
When you're ready to continue, click “Next.” On the following page, you’ll find instructions for the first task. The task instructions explain the steps you should complete during your session.
📌 As you complete your session, you should read each task carefully and make sure you complete the task in its entirety. Remember, you’ll complete these tasks on the test website open in the second tab or window.
Reviewing the scenario and previous tasks
If at any point you need to review the Scenario, you can click on the “Scenario” button, and a pop-up window will appear. When you’re done, click “Close” to return to the task instructions.
After you’ve completed the first task, click “Next” to continue to the following set of task instructions. Carefully read the instructions and switch to the second tab or window to view the test content and complete your task.
When you’ve finished the task according to the instructions, return to the task instructions. You'll repeat this process until you have finished every task.
📌 If you realize you’ve accidentally skipped ahead and need to revisit the instructions for a previous task, you can click on the “Previous task” button to open a window and reread the instructions for that task.
Pausing the test
Remember, it's important that you complete your test in a distraction-free setting. If you're interrupted while providing feedback, you can use the Pause button and then resume your test when you're ready.
It's often helpful to the customer if you briefly explain that you're pausing the test and will continue again shortly.
Finishing the session
Sometimes a test might be difficult or impossible to complete. Depending on the situation, you'll need to either report a problem or quit the test.
TIP: If you're not sure if you should report a problem, please review our article, "When should I report a problem while recording?"
Otherwise, when you've finished the last task in the session, you will share any final thoughts, questions, or suggestions you may have about your experience. This is a good opportunity to review what you shared during the session and to offer any other feedback you may have.
Skip to:
Quitting the test
If you decide you'd no longer like to complete the session for any reason, you can click on the “Quit test” button at the bottom of the screen.
Reporting a problem
If there's a major issue with either the recorder or the test, and it's impossible for you to complete the test according to the customer's instructions, then you should report a problem.
Follow these steps, to report a problem during your test:
- Click the Help button
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Before you continue, you’ll have the chance to review some support resources, including a link to our Contributor Support Center and a video with tips on how to provide feedback during your test. - If you can’t find a solution to your issue using either of these resources, go ahead and click the Report a Problem button
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- On the Report a Problem screen, select the option that best describes your problem, and then provide a detailed description in the More details field.
Sharing final thoughts
Once you’ve shared your feedback, click the “Stop Recording” button.
You'll then answer a few “Final Questions." Once you're ready to submit your responses, click the “Finish Test” button.
A window will appear to show the progress of your upload. Please keep this window open until this process is complete. You’ll know your test has successfully uploaded when you see the screen with the message, “Great job!”
