Once your test plan is done, you need to write a test script.

Every researcher, regardless of experience level, should write a script for

the usability study.

A script ensures they don't miss any details, and

provides a consistent protocol for every participant.

Without this level of consistency, we can't be sure if findings are meaningful.

Here are a few components for your usability study script.

First set up the study.

Let the participants know why they're here, but

provide only the most necessary information.

For example,

we can tell our participants they're here to walk us through how they find AC units.

But we don't want to tell them about the high drop-off rates

since that is both confidential and could skew their behavior.

Second, make participants comfortable.

Usability studies can be uncomfortable, the participant is being watched

from many different angles and every single word is being recorded.

It's like being on stage without a prepared speech.

They can often feel like they're the ones being tested rather than the product.

Your job is to make the participants feel comfortable and

convince them that they're helping you test a product and not them.

Third, ask background questions.

In asking the participants background questions,

you will be doing two things, confirming that their

answers to the original background questions were truthful.

And second, learning more about each individual

in order to put their feedback into perspective.

Four, use consistent scenarios.

Write exactly how you will present the scenarios to each person.

That way, everyone receives the same information while reacting in

their own way, giving you the data needed to draw meaningful results.

Now that we know what goes into a great usability script,

let's watch how it plays out using a fictional study.