Usability Test Script

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Template sections

• Test overview — product, prototype fidelity, session duration, method (moderated/unmoderated), and team roles
• Consent & recording checklist — legal consent, screen recording consent, and participant briefing script
• Task scenarios (×5) — realistic scenario framing, success criteria, and time budget per task
• Think-aloud observation log — per-task space for verbal behaviour, hesitations, and errors
• Post-task questions — single ease rating (SEQ) and open follow-up per task
• System Usability Scale (SUS) — all 10 SUS items pre-printed, ready to score
• Post-test debrief — three open-ended questions and overall impressions capture

HOW TO USE

Best practices

1. Frame tasks as scenarios, not instructions. "You just received a promo code and want to use it at checkout" beats "Click on the cart icon." The scenario reveals real behaviour.
2. Remind participants they're testing the product, not themselves. Say it at the start and repeat it if they apologise for struggling. Guilt kills think-aloud.
3. Don't rescue. Watching someone struggle for two minutes feels cruel, but it is your most valuable data. Set a task time limit and honour it.
4. Debrief your team immediately after each session. Observations decay fast. A five-minute sync between sessions prevents insight loss.
5. Calculate SUS before your synthesis meeting. A score below 68 signals a systemic usability problem — know the number before you interpret qualitative data.