Get matched
A screener checks whether you fit the audience needed for a particular test.
USER TESTING GUIDE
What Is User Testing?
Use a website or app, complete realistic tasks and explain what you notice. The value is in useful feedback, not technical expertise.
TEST. NOTICE. EXPLAIN.
- Real tasks
- Useful feedback
- Selection varies
WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DO
Use a product like a real person — and explain what helps or gets in the way.
A user test may ask you to navigate a website or app, complete tasks and describe what you expect, notice or find confusing. Researchers are testing the product experience, not whether you can pass an exam.
Follow tasks
You might find information, try a journey or react to a prototype.
Explain what you notice
Clear, natural observations are usually more useful than trying to sound like a designer.
Complete under the provider's rules
Reward, review and processing arrangements depend on the testing platform and study.
WHO MAY LIKE IT
User testing is different from clicking through a survey.
You can think aloud
You are comfortable saying what you expect to happen and why something is confusing.
You notice details
You can describe friction without needing specialist technical knowledge.
You need total flexibility
Some tests need quiet, a microphone, specific devices or a scheduled session.
You dislike screening
Testing opportunities can be selective because researchers need particular users and devices.
EXPLORE THE FORMAT
See EarnDeck's user-testing route.
Compare user testing with research, surveys and other spare-time methods.