Usability Test Script Tool
This template helps you create consistent, effective usability test scripts. Customize it for your specific product and research questions.
Last updated: October 2023
Before the session
Materials checklist
- Prototype or product ready and tested
- Script printed or accessible
- Recording software set up and tested
- Consent form ready
- Note-taking template prepared
- Incentive prepared (if applicable)
- Backup plan for technical issues
Environment check
- Quiet space with no interruptions
- Good lighting (if recording video)
- Water for participant
- Comfortable seating
Script template
Introduction (5 minutes)
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. My name is [Name], and I'll be walking you through this session.
Before we begin, I want to explain what we'll be doing today. We're testing [product/prototype], not testing you. There are no right or wrong answers—we're interested in your honest reactions and thoughts.
I'll ask you to complete some tasks and think out loud as you do them. Tell me what you're looking at, what you're trying to do, what you expect to happen, and what you're thinking. This helps us understand your experience.
The session will take about [time]. Do you have any questions before we begin?
[If recording] I'd like to record this session so I can review it later instead of trying to take detailed notes. The recording is only for our research team. Is that okay with you?
[Have participant sign consent form]
Participants often forget to think aloud. Gently remind them: "What are you thinking right now?" or "What are you looking at?" Don't lead them to specific conclusions.
Background questions (5 minutes)
Adjust these based on your research focus:
Before we look at [product], I'd like to learn a bit about you.
Can you tell me briefly about your role and what you do?
How familiar are you with [product category]? What similar products have you used?
[Optional: Question relevant to your specific research]
Tips:
- Keep this brief—you want time for tasks
- Establish rapport but stay focused
- Take notes on anything that might affect task performance
Task introduction
Now I'm going to ask you to complete some tasks using [product]. Remember, I want you to think out loud as you go.
I'm not going to be able to help you during the tasks because I want to see how the [product] works without any guidance. If you get stuck, I'll ask you to try something else. There's no pressure to complete everything—it's perfectly okay if something doesn't work.
Do you have any questions before we start?
Task template
For each task, include:
Task [number]: [Brief title]
Scenario:
[Set the context—give participants a realistic reason to complete this task]
Imagine you are [context]. You want to [goal].
Task:
Starting from this screen, [specific action to complete].
Success criteria:
- What indicates successful completion
- Secondary success measures (if applicable)
Observations to note:
- Path taken
- Hesitations or confusion
- Errors made
- Questions asked
- Verbal comments
Follow-up questions:
- What did you expect to happen?
- Was anything confusing?
- How would you rate the difficulty of that task? (1-5)
Example tasks
Task 1: Create account
Scenario:
You've heard about this app from a friend and want to try it out. You're ready to create an account.
Task:
Starting from this page, create an account using your email address.
Success criteria:
- Account created successfully
- User understands confirmation/next steps
Task 2: Find specific content
Scenario:
You're looking for information about [topic] because [reason].
Task:
Find [specific content] on the site.
Success criteria:
- User locates correct content
- User can identify the information they need
Task 3: Complete a transaction
Scenario:
You've decided to [purchase/subscribe/sign up]. You want to [specific goal].
Task:
Complete the process to [action].
Success criteria:
- Process completed
- User understands confirmation/what happens next
Post-task questions
After each task:
- How did that go for you?
- Was anything confusing or unexpected?
- On a scale of 1-5, how difficult was that? (1 = very easy, 5 = very difficult)
Wrap-up questions (5-10 minutes)
We're done with the tasks. I have a few final questions:
Overall, how would you describe your experience with [product]?
What did you like most about what you saw today?
What would you most want to change or improve?
How likely would you be to use/recommend this product? Why?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience?
Closing
Thank you so much for your time today. Your feedback is extremely valuable and will help us improve [product].
[Provide incentive if applicable]
Do you have any final questions for me?
Note-taking template
| Task | Success | Time | Path taken | Issues/observations | Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Y/N | ||||
| 2 | Y/N | ||||
| 3 | Y/N |
Post-session notes:
- Overall impression:
- Key insights:
- Patterns to watch for in future sessions:
Tips for facilitation
Do
- Stay neutral—your job is to observe, not help
- Use silence—don't fill every pause
- Ask clarifying questions to understand thinking
- Note non-verbal behavior (hesitation, frustration, delight)
- Keep to time—it's okay to move on from stuck tasks
Don't
- Lead participants toward answers
- Defend the design
- Help when they struggle (that's data)
- React positively or negatively to their performance
- Make participants feel bad about mistakes