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Writing Test Tasks

Test tasks are the heartbeat of a UX test—they direct participants' actions and reveal how effectively your product supports their goals. Well-written tasks provide clarity, focus, and actionable insights. This section will teach you how to craft tasks that guide participants while letting their natural behavior shine.

What Are Test Tasks?​

Test tasks are specific activities participants are asked to complete during a UX test. They align with your test objectives and simulate real-world interactions, offering a window into how users navigate and use your product.

Example: "Find the nearest ATM using the mobile app."

Principles of Writing Effective Test Tasks​

  1. Align Tasks with Objectives Each task should directly address one of your test objectives. For instance, if you’re testing navigation, a task might involve finding a specific feature or piece of information.
  2. Keep Tasks Clear and Concise Use simple, straightforward language. Avoid jargon, long-winded instructions, or ambiguity that might confuse participants. Example: Instead of: "Navigate to the financial services section and explore loan options to simulate an inquiry." Use: "Find information about available loan options."
  3. Use Real-World Scenarios Frame tasks as relatable situations to help participants engage naturally. This adds context and ensures their behavior reflects real-life usage. Example: "You’ve misplaced your card. Use the app to report it and request a replacement."
  4. Be Unbiased Avoid leading participants to specific actions or outcomes. Instead, let them discover their own paths to complete the task. Biased: "Click the top-right search icon to find customer support." Unbiased: "Find a way to contact customer support."
  5. Define Goals, Not Steps Focus on what participants need to accomplish, not how they should do it. This approach highlights usability strengths and weaknesses. Example: "Find out how to change your email address in your account settings."
  6. Make Tasks Specific and Measurable Tasks should have clear success criteria so you can evaluate whether participants achieve the desired outcome. Example: "Find and add a pair of sneakers to your shopping cart."

Best Practices for Writing Tasks​

  • Limit Complexity: Avoid overwhelming participants by breaking down large processes into smaller, manageable tasks.
  • Test Your Tasks: Pilot your tasks with a few users to ensure clarity and feasibility.
  • Consider Different Devices: If your product spans multiple platforms, tailor tasks to reflect device-specific experiences.

Examples of Effective Test Tasks​

  1. "You want to cancel your subscription. Use the website to complete this action."
  2. "You’re planning a dinner party and need a recipe for pasta. Use the app to find one."
  3. "You’ve received a refund and want to check its status. Find this information in your account."

Well-written test tasks empower participants to engage naturally while uncovering valuable insights about your product’s usability. They are the bridge between test objectives and actionable findings, helping you create designs that meet real user needs.