Usability testing: tips, tricks and stories from the front lines

About me

Hi, I'm Milly!

• User Experience Engineer at Clover.com.au
• Co-founder & CPO at Estimate-work.com
• 5+ years in making things on the internet
• Originally from an arts (writing, film, music) background

Here's the hot tips

Be careful if you test two versions at once

Don't test hypothetical situations

"If I were using this, I would..."

"I don't think this would work because..."

"I would worry that other people will..."

Always test towards a goal

You might not be doing a usability test!

Always test with users or potential users - not stakeholders

Make the user feel comfortable

You're on a first date

• Ask about their day
• Crack some dorky jokes
• Be vulnerable with them
• Bring them a treat
• Watch your body language
• Find some common ground
• More here and here

Don't underestimate context

Don't do too much testing

Don't fear following a simple script

Download the script

Match the design fidelity to the test goals (or match the goals to the design fidelity)

"It depends on what you're trying to achieve..."

Write a plan and stick to it

Brain dump

Thank you and good luck!

@meelijane