Q. What are the different types of user testing’?
Broadly speaking user testing falls into three types; remote unmoderated testing, remote moderated testing and in-person moderated testing.
During remote unmoderated testing, users work through a series of tasks to complete in their own home, in their own time with no moderator present. The output from these sessions are videos of the user attempting to complete the tasks while thinking aloud.
Remote moderated user testing involves participants being taken through a list of tasks by an experienced facilitator. Using audio and screen sharing software like Skype or Zoom, The sessions allow two-way communication between people situated in different locations. The output from these sessions are videos of the user attempting to complete the tasks while discussing their thoughts with the moderator.
In-person moderated user testing is live and takes place in a test ‘lab’. A good lab is often a relaxed lounge-style environment where users feel at ease. As with remote moderated testing, participants are taken through a list of tasks by an experienced facilitator. The output from these sessions are videos of the user attempting to complete the tasks while discussing their thoughts with the moderator.