The type of tasks you'll complete might vary from one study to another. To help you feel confident and prepared, this article covers the most common task types you'll encounter in UserTesting studies.
Before you begin, let's cover some basic definitions:
Learn about the different task types:
- Card sort
- Click test
- Comparison
- Multiple choice question
- Prototype
- Rating scale
- Site navigation
- Survey
- Tree test
- Verbal response
- Written response
Card sort
In a card sort, you organize items into categories based on what makes sense to you. Researchers use this to understand how people group information.
Example: You might sort a list of clothing items into categories like "Casual Wear" and "Formal Wear."
Best practices
- There are no right or wrong answers — focus on what feels right and makes sense to you.
- If you're confused and unsure how to sort a card, that's okay! All feedback is helpful feedback. Explain your confusion to the researcher and organize the cards to the best of your ability.
Click test
During a click test, the researcher asks you to select an area on the screen to show where you would complete a particular action. Click tests help researchers understand user expectations.
Example: A researcher might direct you to the homepage of a shopping website and ask how you would return an item you've purchased. To answer, you'll select the area on the page that makes the most sense — a menu, button, or link.
Best practices
- Think carefully before selecting — you get only one chance.
- Explain why you selected a certain area and what you expected to happen.
Comparison
Comparison tasks require you to evaluate multiple experiences — like different website designs or product concepts — and share which you prefer and why.
Example: You might compare two homepages and describe which one feels more user-friendly.
Best practices
- Pay close attention to differences.
- Keep track of your time. If you're comparing two websites, make sure to allow enough time to review both thoroughly.
Multiple choice question
You'll select one or more answers from a list in response to a question related to your thoughts, attitudes, or opinions.
Example: You might respond to the question, "Which features are most important when choosing a streaming service?" with options like "Price," "Variety of shows," and "User experience."
Best practices
- Read each option carefully before you select your response.
- Explain out loud why you chose a particular response.
Prototype
Prototypes (or wireframes) are unfinished versions of websites or apps with limited functionality. You might notice missing text or images, or links that aren't selectable.
Example: The researcher might ask you to review a prototype of a new checkout process and share your thoughts on the layout.
Best practices
- Read the instructions carefully. Researchers will often ask you to interact with the prototype in a specific way or order — for example, they might want you to view it first without selecting anything.
- Focus on the overall experience rather than any missing elements.
Rating scale
A rating scale helps researchers understand and measure opinions. Using a specific scale, you'll rate a statement, concept, or idea. The scale might use numbers like 1 to 5, or words like "Strongly Agree" to "Strongly Disagree."
Example: "How likely are you to recommend this product to a friend?" (1 = Not Likely, 5 = Very Likely)
Best practices
- Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the rating scale.
- Always explain why you chose your rating.
Site navigation
During a site navigation task, you visit a researcher's website and complete specific actions while thinking out loud.
Example: A researcher might ask you to find a product, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout while describing what you like or dislike about the experience.
Best practices
- Read the task instructions out loud.
- Explain your thoughts and feelings while navigating the website.
- Highlight what's clear or confusing to you.
Survey
During a Survey, you answer a set of questions so the researcher understands your attitudes and opinions.
Example: You might answer multiple-choice questions about your shopping preferences.
Best practices
- Provide honest and thoughtful responses.
- If the Survey is part of a recorded study, think out loud unless the researcher lets you know it isn't required.
Tree test
Tree tests help researchers improve how participants navigate their websites and apps.
Example: A researcher might ask you to find "Return Policy" in an online store's menu.
Best practices
- Think out loud as you search.
- Explain how confident or uncertain you feel as you search for each item. This feedback helps the researcher identify common pain points.
Verbal response
You'll answer a question out loud while recording your screen and/or face.
Example: The researcher might ask, "What do you think about this homepage layout?" You'll think out loud to describe your first impressions.
Best practices
- Be mindful of any background noise.
- Speak loudly and clearly so the researcher can hear you.
- Provide detailed and thoughtful answers.
- Stay focused on the question.
Written response
You'll type out a response to the researcher's question.
Example: The researcher might ask you to describe a time when you had a frustrating online shopping experience. You'll type out your response and, if the study is recorded, verbally explain it as well.
Best practices
- Provide a detailed answer that helps the researcher understand your perspective.
- Use complete sentences and proper grammar.
- Review your response to check for any typos or errors.