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Unmoderated Usability Testing

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Advantages of Loop11’s Unmoderated Usability Testing

At Loop11, we’re all about accelerating insights and optimizing your user testing experience. Online unmoderated testing can be used to collect authentic feedback as users engage with your product in their own environment. Here are the benefits of using Loop11 for your unmoderated usability testing:

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Collect Quantitative Data

Empower your decision-making with Loop11’s robust quantitative data collection. Utilize features like heatmaps, clickstreams, Net Promoter Score (NPS), and System Usability Scale (SUS) auto calculations to gain valuable metrics that provide a clear picture of user behavior and satisfaction.

Unlimited Tasks and Questions

With Loop11, you have the freedom to create as many tasks and questions as needed for your usability tests. This flexibility allows you to explore various aspects of your product’s user experience and gather comprehensive insights without limitations.

Optional Video and Audio Recordings

Gain deeper understanding and transparency with Loop11’s screen recording, webcam face recording, and audio recording options. This enables you to revisit crucial moments, share recordings with team members and stakeholders, and foster collaboration based on the rich insights acquired.

Recruit From Our Research Panel or BYO

Choose from Loop11’s verified panel and recruitment partners or bring your own participants for free. This is great for businesses who require niche demographics or want to survey current customers.

Improve Your UX with Unmoderated Online Testing

Don’t miss out on valuable user feedback and potential insights that might have been overlooked in controlled testing environments. Try unmoderated testing with Loop11 for free.

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The Benefits of Unmoderated Usability Testing

Unmoderated testing offers a range of compelling benefits that make it an essential tool in user research preferred for the following:

Rapid Iterative Testing

Unmoderated testing enables the collection of feedback from hundreds of users simultaneously, allowing for more frequent rapid data collection and analysis. Researchers can swiftly set up Loop11 tests and gather valuable feedback within a shorter time frame.

Diverse Global Participants & Accessibility

Researchers can reach a more diverse pool of participants globally, including niche, harder to schedule participants. It also ensures better accessibility for users with disabilities, incorporating their perspectives into the design research process.

Cost Effective

Remote unmoderated testing eliminates the need for an in-person moderator, travel expenses, and facility hiring, making it a cost-effective user research method in comparison to traditional moderated testing.

Reduced Observer Effect

Unmoderated user testing eliminates the observer effect, ensuring that participants’ responses and behaviors remain unaffected by the presence of an in-person moderator. This leads to more unbiased and authentic feedback from testers.

Longitudinal Studies

Remote unmoderated testing is well-suited for longitudinal studies, where researchers can observe changes in user behavior over an extended period. This is particularly useful for understanding user engagement and adoption over time.

Participant Comfort & Convenience

Remote unmoderated usability testing allows participants to test in their own environment at their convenience, leading to more natural insights. This encourages genuine user experience feedback which reflects real-world usage patterns.

Our Clients Say It Best

“You should be able to prepare a user test very quickly. With Loop11, we can do that. Our recruiter finds users with a one- or two-day turnaround, and then we set up a Loop11 study. Whereas traditionally, there was a lot of prep time for user tests, and you’d recruit users and invite them in. Loop11 is a very quick way to validate a design.”

fran_jordan
Fran Jordan

Design and Content Chapter Lead, Vodafone Ireland

LinkedIn

“Using Loop11 allows us to deliver quantitative data so the client can see where the painpoints of their users are and where to tackle the usability issues in their platform.”

Sarai-Prado-Sperientia.png
Sarai Prado

Lead UX Researcher and Lab Lead,
Sperientia: [Studio + Lab]®

LinkedIn

“We really wanted to capture those little bits of feedback that you can only discover when users are in the middle of doing something on the app: when they’re frustrated by something, surprised by something, or when they like something or find something particularly entertaining.”

R.-Kali-Woodward-FUNetix.png
R. Kali Woodward

FUNetix Founder

LinkedIn

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Best Practices for Unmoderated Usability Testing

Unmoderated testing is a dynamic and efficient approach that empowers researchers and product teams to gather valuable user insights remotely and at scale. Let’s explore the key best practices for successful unmoderated usability testing.

Here's a breakdown of the process, tools, and steps involved to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of your unmoderated testing:

  1. Setting Up Expectations: Unmoderated usability testing begins by defining research objectives and identifying the target audience. This can include questions like:
    • What are the goals of the test?
    • What do you want to learn from the test?
    • Who is the target audience for the test?
    • Who are you testing with?
    • What are their needs and expectations?

    Researchers create a set of tasks and scenarios that users will perform during the test. Participants then complete the tasks independently, providing feedback on their experience. The data collected is later analyzed to derive meaningful insights and inform design improvements.

  2. Recruiting the Participants: Finding the right participants for unmoderated usability testing is crucial to ensure the validity and reliability of your research findings. Consider your target audience and the specific demographics or characteristics you are interested in studying. There are various methods for recruiting participants, such as using online panels, social media groups, or professional networks. Clearly communicate the requirements and expectations to potential participants, including the time commitment and any incentives offered for participation. Ensure that participants have the necessary equipment, such as a computer or mobile device, to complete the test successfully.

  3. Organizing the Tasks and Scenarios: The tasks you design for unmoderated usability testing play a vital role in the success of your research. It is essential to create tasks that accurately reflect the goals and objectives of your study.

    To conduct successful unmoderated tests, researchers must carefully design tasks and scenarios that align with their research goals. These tasks should simulate real-life scenarios that users encounter when interacting with the product. Clear instructions and well-defined success criteria ensure participants understand the objectives and expectations.

  4. Collecting and Analyzing Data: Unmoderated usability testing generates a wealth of data that can be collected and analyzed for insights. Data collection methods include screen recordings, participant responses, completion rates, and task success metrics. Researchers can use qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. Analyzing the data helps uncover usability issues, pain points, and opportunities to enhance the user experience.

    For example, a software company conducting unmoderated usability testing for their new mobile app might create tasks such as "Find and add a new contact" or "Schedule a meeting using the calendar feature." Participants would then perform these tasks on their own devices, providing feedback and insights on their experience. The collected data, including screen recordings and participant feedback, would be analyzed to identify usability issues and guide iterative design improvements.

    Overall, unmoderated usability testing offers a flexible, scalable, and insightful approach to understanding user behavior and enhancing product experiences. Researchers can unlock valuable insights that drive user-centric design decisions by effectively leveraging the right tools, designing practical tasks, and analyzing data.

  5. Integrating User Feedback and Iterating: Actively listen to user feedback and leverage it to drive iterative improvements. Identify recurring pain points and prioritize them based on their impact. Consider user suggestions and recommendations for enhancing the user experience. Iteratively refine your product or interface based on the insights gained through unmoderated usability testing.
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Ready to take your user testing to the next level? Let’s sum it all up with these exciting considerations to keep in mind when diving into unmoderated usability testing:

  • Data delights: Collect data like a pro! Capture screen recordings, participant responses, and task completion rates. It's a treasure trove of qualitative and quantitative insights waiting to be discovered.
  • Unlock the hidden gems: Analyze your data with precision and finesse. Uncover patterns, spot trends, and identify those pesky usability issues that need some TLC.
  • Feedback frenzy: Embrace user feedback like a true champion. Listen to their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Let their voices inspire iterative improvements that will leave them cheering for more.
  • Prioritize like a pro: Not all pain points are created equal. Focus on the ones that pack the most punch and address them head-on, creating a user experience that shines.
  • User-centric innovation: Keep your ears open and your mind receptive to the wisdom of your users. Their insights are the catalyst for innovation, leading you to refine your product or interface and exceed expectations.

Unmoderated usability testing is a valuable research method that offers several advantages over traditional moderated testing. By allowing participants to complete tasks independently and remotely, unmoderated testing provides cost-effective, scalable, and convenient insights into user behavior and preferences. However, it is important to consider the limitations and challenges associated with this method and to carefully design tasks and recruit participants to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings.

Remember, unmoderated testing is a dynamic and evolving field in UX research; it is your gateway to unlocking a world of valuable insights. Embrace these key considerations, and get ready to revolutionize your user experience game like never before!

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There are two types of moderated user testing: Remote Moderated Usability Testing and In-Person Usability Testing. With a moderator at your disposal, you've got the ultimate usability consultant on standby. They're there to answer burning questions, provide real-time feedback, and help you fine-tune your product's usability.

What is Remote Moderated Usability Testing?

Remote moderated usability testing is a method of conducting usability tests using online software tools or custom testing applications. This approach eliminates the limitations imposed by physical location, allowing researchers to interact with participants remotely. This has been very useful during the pandemic when everyone works from home, restricted by lockdowns and travel regulations.

For example, imagine this scenario where you recently participated in a remote moderated usability test. You were asked to download a mobile app designed specifically for the test. The researcher could see and communicate with you through its video call-based interface as you navigate the test stages, like with late-stage Figma prototype designs.

What is In-Person Moderated Usability Testing?

In contrast, in-person moderated usability testing involves inviting participants to a physical testing center, an office space, or any mutually agreed-upon location. During an in-person test, the moderator can observe participants' body language and establish rapport, which can foster open and honest communication.

Loop11 is designed for remote user testing however it can be used for in-person user testing also.

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