Content findability usability test template

Observe whether readers can locate and recognize useful content on [site].

Use this template

Editable study draft · English content

Before you launch

Provide the site URL and a concrete information need with a known answer. Keep task wording independent of menu labels.

Opens a usability study with ordered tasks, post-task questions, and a final debrief. Add your target URL to each task. Screen sharing is enabled and the moderator observes without providing task hints. Success criteria below are a guide for your review, not automatic grading rules.

Participant tasks

  1. Task 1

    Find an answer

    You need to know [specific question]. Find an answer on this site.

    Researcher success criteria

    Participant reaches content that answers the defined question.

  2. Task 2

    Check relevance

    Use the page to explain how the answer applies to [scenario].

    Researcher success criteria

    Participant correctly applies the information to the stated scenario.

  3. Task 3

    Find related information

    Now find what else you need to know about [related question].

    Researcher success criteria

    Participant reaches a relevant answer to the related need.

After each task, ask what was difficult and what the participant expected to happen. The study also includes a task-ease rating.

Final debrief

  1. What, if anything, was different from what you expected?
  2. Which part of the experience would you change first, and why?

Plan your study

Who should take part?

People who look for information about [topic].

What should I customize before launching?

Provide the site URL and a concrete information need with a known answer. Keep task wording independent of menu labels.

How should I use the findings?

Compare routes and interpretation of content relevance. Finding a page does not mean the reader has understood its answer.

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