Password reset usability test template
Observe whether people can recover access to a test account.
Use this templateEditable study draft · English content
Before you launch
Provide a sandbox account and a test inbox. Verify reset delivery and expiry settings, and never request a participant’s real password.
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
Task 1
Start recovery
Imagine you forgot the password for the supplied test account. Begin recovering access.
Researcher success criteria
Participant initiates recovery for the supplied test account.
Task 2
Set a new password
Use the test inbox provided to reset the password with the supplied test password.
Researcher success criteria
Participant completes a valid reset without using personal credentials.
Task 3
Sign in again
Return to the product and sign in to the test account.
Researcher success criteria
Participant successfully signs in and recognizes the recovered account.
After each task, ask what was difficult and what the participant expected to happen. The study also includes a task-ease rating.
Final debrief
- What, if anything, was different from what you expected?
- Which part of the experience would you change first, and why?
Plan your study
Who should take part?
People who use password-based sign-in.
What should I customize before launching?
Provide a sandbox account and a test inbox. Verify reset delivery and expiry settings, and never request a participant’s real password.
How should I use the findings?
Separate recovery-entry findability, email interpretation, password validation, and sign-in success.