User Experience Design
Usability Testing Checklist: Plan, Run and Review Every Session
We use this checklist to plan usability tests for client websites. This guide is for business owners and teams running their own tests. It covers planning, writing a test script and running sessions in person or remotely. Work through it step by step, so every session produces results you can act on.
How to plan a usability test
Planning decides whether a test produces clear answers or vague impressions. Clear goals and realistic tasks matter most. Recruiting the right people comes next. Settle these points before any session.
- Write the questions the test must answer, such as whether visitors can find pricing.
- Choose three to five tasks linked to those questions.
- Decide whether to test on mobile, desktop or both.
- Choose moderated or unmoderated, and in-person or remote.
- Recruit five participants who match your typical customers.
- Book sessions of 30 to 45 minutes, with time between them for notes.
Avoid recruiting staff or close friends where possible. They know too much about your business to behave like real visitors. Our usability testing guide explains each method in more detail.
How to write a test script
A script keeps every session consistent, so results are comparable. It also stops the facilitator from leading participants. Short, realistic tasks work best. Include these elements in your script.
- A welcome that explains you are testing the website, not the person.
- A request to think aloud while completing tasks.
- Background questions about how they usually find services like yours.
- Each task written as a realistic scenario, such as "You need a quote for a new website."
- Follow-up questions after each task, such as "What did you expect to happen?"
- Closing questions about their overall impression.
Never tell participants where to click. If they ask for help, ask what they would do if you were not there. Read the script aloud once before the first session.
How to run sessions in person or remotely
Both in-person and remote sessions work well when prepared properly. Remote testing is easier to arrange for most small businesses. In-person testing lets you see body language more clearly. Check these points before each session.
- Test the website, recording tools and internet connection beforehand.
- For mobile tests, use the participant's own phone where possible.
- For remote tests, use screen sharing through a video call or a testing tool.
- Assign one person to facilitate and another to take notes, if you can.
- Note the time and exact screen whenever a participant struggles.
Write up the main problems straight after each session. Our guide to analysing user feedback shows how to combine results across sessions.
Usability testing session checklist
Use this checklist before every usability testing session. Each item keeps sessions consistent and reliable. Tick every line before the participant joins.
- Test goals and tasks written
- Participants match your typical customers
- Script read through and ready
- Website, devices and recording tools tested
- Facilitator and note-taker roles agreed
- Consent to record confirmed
- Notes written up straight after the session
Good to know
Usability testing checklist FAQs
What is the difference between moderated and unmoderated testing?+
Moderated testing uses a facilitator to guide the participant and ask follow-up questions. Unmoderated testing asks participants to complete tasks alone while their screen is recorded. Moderated tests explain why problems happen. Unmoderated tests are faster and cheaper to run at scale.
Which tools help with remote usability testing?+
Video calls with screen sharing work for simple moderated tests. Dedicated testing tools recruit participants and record unmoderated sessions. Session recording tools show how real visitors behave on your live site. Choose tools based on your budget and how often you test.
How do I test a mobile website?+
Ask participants to use their own phones, as that reflects real use. Share the phone screen through a video call or a mobile testing tool. Watch for small buttons, long forms and hidden menus. Mobile tests often reveal problems that desktop tests miss.
Keep this checklist with your test script and session notes. Share it with anyone who runs tests for your business. So you can run sessions that are consistent, fair and full of useful findings.
Last updated