How to user test

• Define a focus

  Start by clarifying the purpose of the user test:

  • Purpose: What do you want to achieve? For example, uncovering navigation, understanding content or testing a new feature.
  • Test focus: Which parts of the website should be tested? (e.g. navigation, content, components)
  • Hypotheses: What assumptions do you want to prove or disprove?
  • Boundaries: What are you not testing? (e.g. mobile view only, only one user journey)
  • Success criteria: What does "success" mean? For example:
  • User finds a specific page within 3 clicks
  • User understands a given text without explanation
  • User rates the experience as 4 out of 5 or better.

  Tip: Define clear goals before you invite users so you know what to look for.

• Create a question guide

  A question guide structures the test itself and puts users at ease. The typical structure:

  • Presentation and introduction: Explain the purpose and make the user feel comfortable.
  • Warm-up: Ask light background questions (age, experience, familiarity with the website).
  • Free play: Let the user explore the site freely - get immediate reactions.
  • Test scenarios and tasks: Use fictional scenarios and set concrete tasks without directing the user.
  • Final interview: Collect feedback and reflections after the test.

  Tip: Ask along the way: "What are you thinking now?" and "What did you expect to happen?".

• Recruit users

  Recruiting the right participants is crucial:

  • Profiles: Describe the target group (gender, age, experience, relation to SDU).
  • Number: 5 participants per target group covers approx. 80% of errors.
  • Recruitment guide: Create an overview of requirements for participants.
  • Recruitment text: Short and motivating invitation - what are we testing, where and when?
  • Contact: Use networks, groups or direct outreach. Avoid close relationships.
  • Confirmation: Send practical info and reminder the day before.

  Tip: Motivate participants with small gifts or by explaining how important their feedback is.

• Carry out the test

  On the test day:

  • Preparation: Have the test environment ready - live site, test pages or prototypes.
  • Role division: Be two: one moderator, one observer.
  • Moderator: Leads the conversation, supports think-aloud and keeps focus.
  • Observer: Takes notes, observes reactions and quotes.
  • Test process: Follow the question guide, but be open to spontaneous feedback.
  • Documentation: Record successes, confusions and direct quotes.

  Tip: Use silence actively - it helps the user to think out loud and reflect.

• Analyse and report

  After the test:

  • Review the material: Find patterns in behaviour, statements and challenges.
  • Identify problems: What barriers did several users experience?
  • Formulate recommendations: Make suggestions concrete and actionable.
  • Choose report format: Create a short report, slideshow or direct implementation.

  Tip: Use quotes from users to support your recommendations.