Usability Test Script & Moderator Guide

Create a usability test script and moderator guide for testing [feature/product]. Include:

1. Test Session Overview
   - Test duration (typically 45-60 min)
   - Session structure and timing
   - Materials needed
   - Recording and consent
   - Participant compensation

2. Introduction Script (5 min)
   **Welcome and Rapport Building:**
   "Hi [Name], thanks for joining today. I'm [Your Name], and I'll be guiding you through this session. Before we start, I want to make sure you're comfortable. Do you have any questions before we begin?"
   
   **Set Expectations:**
   - Explain purpose of the test
   - "We're testing the product, not you"
   - There are no right or wrong answers
   - We want honest feedback
   - Think aloud protocol explanation
   - OK to take breaks anytime
   
   **Recording Consent:**
   "For research purposes, we'll be recording this session. The recording is only for our team and won't be shared publicly. Are you comfortable with that?"
   
   **Sign Consent Form:**
   (If applicable)

3. Background Questions (5-7 min)
   Get context about the participant:
   - Current role and responsibilities
   - Relevant experience with [product category]
   - Current tools they use for [task]
   - Frequency of use
   - Pain points with current solution
   - Technical comfort level
   
   Example questions:
   - "Tell me about how you currently [do task]?"
   - "What tools do you use for this?"
   - "What works well? What's frustrating?"
   - "How often do you [do task]?"

4. Task Scenarios (25-30 min)
   
   **Task Format:**
   For each task, include:
   - Task number and name
   - Scenario setup (give context and motivation)
   - Success criteria (what defines completion?)
   - Time estimate
   - Follow-up questions
   
   **Think Aloud Prompts:**
   Use these if participant goes quiet:
   - "What are you thinking?"
   - "What are you looking for?"
   - "What do you expect to happen?"
   - "What's going through your mind?"
   
   **Example Tasks:**
   
   **Task 1: [Task Name]**
   Scenario: "Imagine you want to [motivation]. Show me how you would [action]."
   
   Success: Participant completes [specific action]
   Time: 5-7 minutes
   
   Observe:
   - Did they find the feature easily?
   - Any hesitations or confusion?
   - Path taken vs. expected path
   - Errors or mistakes
   - Time to completion
   - Satisfaction level
   
   Follow-up questions:
   - "Was that what you expected?"
   - "On a scale of 1-5, how easy was that?"
   - "What would have made that easier?"
   - "Did you notice [specific element]?"
   
   [Repeat for Task 2, 3, 4, etc.]

5. Probing Questions
   Use throughout the session:
   - "Tell me more about that"
   - "Why did you click there?"
   - "What did you expect to see?"
   - "How does this compare to [current tool]?"
   - "What's confusing about this?"
   - "What would you change?"

6. Post-Task Questions (5-7 min)
   After all tasks:
   - Overall impressions
   - What worked well?
   - What was frustrating?
   - What's missing?
   - Would you use this? Why or why not?
   - How does this compare to [competitor]?
   - Any final thoughts or suggestions?
   
   **Rating Questions:**
   - "On a scale of 1-5, how easy was it to [complete task]?"
   - "How likely are you to recommend this to a colleague?" (NPS)
   - "How satisfied are you with this experience?"

7. Closing (2-3 min)
   - Thank the participant
   - Ask if they have any questions
   - Explain next steps
   - Remind about compensation/incentive
   - Provide contact info for follow-up

8. Moderator Tips
   
   **Do:**
   - Be neutral and encouraging
   - Listen more than you talk
   - Let silence happen (people need time to think)
   - Take notes on observations
   - Probe when you see confusion
   - Thank them for feedback
   - Keep track of time
   
   **Don't:**
   - Lead the participant
   - Defend the design
   - Explain how things work (unless they're completely stuck)
   - Jump in too quickly to help
   - Show disappointment at criticism
   - Use jargon or technical terms
   - Rush through tasks

9. Handling Challenges
   
   **If participant is stuck (>2 min):**
   - "What are you expecting to see?"
   - "Where would you look for that?"
   - If still stuck: Provide minimal hint
   - Mark as task failure if can't complete
   
   **If participant is quiet:**
   - "What are you thinking right now?"
   - "Can you walk me through what you're doing?"
   
   **If participant asks you questions:**
   - "What do you think would happen?"
   - "What would you do in real life?"
   - Redirect to their instincts

10. Note-Taking Template
    For each task, track:
    - [✓] Completed / [✗] Failed / [~] Completed with help
    - Time to complete
    - Path taken
    - Errors or confusion points
    - Direct quotes
    - Severity: Critical / High / Medium / Low
    - Emotions observed
    - Suggestions made

11. Technical Setup Checklist
    Before session:
    - [ ] Recording software tested
    - [ ] Screen sharing works
    - [ ] Prototype/product accessible
    - [ ] Note-taking template ready
    - [ ] Consent form ready
    - [ ] Backup plan if tech fails
    - [ ] Quiet environment
    - [ ] Phone on silent

Format as a complete, ready-to-use test script that a moderator can follow step-by-step during a usability test session.