Unmoderated usability test template
Will users figure this out alone?
Questions it can answer
- How long will it take users to complete tasks?
- What percentage of people will be able to use the product without making an error?
- Where in the product will cause confusion?
What is unmoderated usability testing?
Unmoderated usability testing involves research participants conducting a set of tasks or activities using the product or service being tested. The tasks or activities are provided to the participant by a piece of software that subsequently records their actions and responses to the tasks they are given. The software can also ask follow up questions to the participants after tasks have been completed.
When to use it. Unmoderated usability testing is specifically used when no researcher to participant interaction is required. This is typically best used when quantitative insights are required, for instance measuring task completion times, task success or error rates.
Related guide: This page is the template. For when to choose unmoderated testing, how to recruit and how it compares with moderated testing, read our unmoderated testing guide.
Do it faster with a Claude skill: Unmoderated test builder. Builds a first draft of this study in Claude that you can edit before you send it.
Example questions
There is no Great Question template for this method. These examples are guidance to adapt, not a template.
Task: "Find a plan that allows five users and note its monthly price." Success: the participant enters the correct price.
After each task: How easy or difficult was that task? 7-point scale: Very difficult to Very easy.
After each task: Was anything confusing or unexpected? Open text.
After all tasks: What, if anything, would you change? Open text.
After all tasks: the 10-item System Usability Scale, if you want a score to compare with later rounds.
Advantages
- Participants can conduct the test where they naturally would use the product
- No impact on key metrics such as task completion by a researcher being present or available to talk to
- High volume of tests can be completed simultaneously
Limitations
- Limited opportunity to understand why a behavior is occurring
- No ability to ask the participant any follow up questions based on their behavior or previous answers
- Research sessions need to be short as the participant is working on their own
Frequently asked questions
How do I write tasks for an unmoderated usability test?
Write each task as a goal with a clear end point, because no one is there to clarify it. For example, "Find a plan that allows five users and note its monthly price." Avoid using the words from the button you are testing.
How long should an unmoderated test be?
Short. Most work best at 15 to 20 minutes with three to five tasks, since participants are on their own and attention drops.
Can I run unmoderated usability tests in Great Question?
Yes. Unmoderated prototype testing is included on the self-serve plan ($129 per seat per month, up to 5 seats, 14-day free trial).