Stage 4 — Usability Testing (Round 1)

1. Participant Recruitment & Preparation

The process begins by identifying a small yet representative sample of users — typically 1–3 participants who reflect your target audience.

Recruitment may be handled collaboratively or independently, using tools such as SurveyMonkey and Google Forms to screen for alignment with user demographics and behavioral traits.

Each participant is briefed on the process, ensuring transparency and comfort before testing begins.

Confidentiality is respected; aliases are used when anonymity is preferred.

This step ensures that feedback originates from genuine, context-relevant experiences — not assumptions.

2. Test Design & Methodology

With participants confirmed, I develop a detailed test plan that outlines every element of the research process.

The plan includes:

• A clear study introduction to establish context and expectations.
• 1–8 targeted research questions that align with usability goals.
• Defined key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.
• The chosen methodology (task-based observation, think-aloud, or moderated interview).
• Detailed session scripts and schedules for structured, repeatable sessions.

Each decision is guided by the objective of uncovering actionable insights that strengthen both user satisfaction and business alignment.

3. Conducting the Usability Testing

Over a 5-day period, I conduct moderated sessions using the low-fidelity prototype developed in Stage 3.

Participants complete a sequence of structured tasks designed to reveal how intuitive, efficient, and accessible the experience truly is.

Throughout each session, I observe how users navigate, interpret labels, and engage with flows — taking notes on both verbal feedback and non-verbal behaviors.

This observational approach identifies points of friction early, allowing for adjustments before visual polish is introduced.

Accessibility considerations are also documented following WCAG standards.

While implementing these recommendations remains optional, I encourage doing so — both for inclusivity and long-term compliance.

4. Collaboration and Insights

After testing, I synthesize findings into actionable insights — patterns that highlight where users hesitate, succeed, or disengage.

These insights directly inform upcoming design iterations, ensuring that subsequent prototypes are grounded in evidence rather than assumption.

Stakeholders receive a concise overview for alignment, and a detailed usability testing report follows in Stage 5.