---
title: "Usability testing"
source: 18F Guides
source_url: https://github.com/18F/guides
licence: CC0-1.0
domain: engineering
subdomain: 18f-guides
date_added: 2026-04-25
---

## How to do it{#how-usability}

1. Pick what you’ll test. Choose something, such as a sketch, [prototype]({{ "/methods/make/prototyping/" | url }}), or even a "competitor’s product" that might help users accomplish their goals.
1. Plan the test. Align your team on the scenarios the test will focus on, which users should participate (and how you’ll [recruit]({{ "/methods/fundamentals/recruiting/" | url }}) them), and which team members will moderate and observe. Prepare a [usability test script]({{ "/ux-guide/usability-test-script/" | url }}).
1. Recruit users and inform their consent. Provide a way for potential participants to sign up for the test. Pass along to participants an [agreement]({{ "/ux-guide/participant-agreement/" | url }}) explaining what participation will entail. Clarify any logistical expectations, such as screen sharing, and how you’ll share links or files of whatever it is you’re testing.
1. Run the tests. Moderators should verbally confirm with the participant that it’s okay to record the test, ask participants to think outloud, and guide the participant through the session. Observers should contribute to a rolling issues log and relay any in-session questions to the moderator, refraining from interrupting the session from the participant’s point of view. Engage your team in a [post-interview debrief]({{ "/ux-guide/interview-debrief/" | url }}) after each test.
1. Discuss the results. Schedule a collaborative synthesis meeting to discuss issues you observed, and any questions these tests raise concerning user needs. Conclude the meeting by determining how the team will use what it learned in service of future design decisions.
main

<section class="method--section method--section--18f-example" markdown="1" >

## Examples from 18F{#ex-usability}

- [Usability testing plans from 18F’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative project with Department of the Interior — Office of Natural Resources Revenue GitHub](https://github.com/ONRR/doi-extractives-data/blob/research/research/summary-jan2016.md)

</section>

<section class="method--section method--section--additional-resources" markdown="1">

## Additional resources{#add-usability}

- [Introduction to remote moderated usability testing, part 1: What and why — 18F Blog](https://18f.gsa.gov/2018/11/14/introduction-to-remote-moderated-usability-testing-part-1/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}
- [Introduction to remote moderated usability testing, part 2: How — 18F Blog](https://18f.gsa.gov/2018/11/20/introduction-to-remote-moderated-usability-testing-part-2-how/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}
- [Example design research participant agreement](https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/participant-agreement/){.usa-link .usa-link--external} / [Ejemplo de acuerdo de participante de investigación de diseño](https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/participant-agreement-spanish/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}
- [Example interview checklist](https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/interview-checklist/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}
- [Example usability test guide](https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/usability-test-script/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}
- [Example interview debrief worksheet](https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/interview-debrief/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}
- [Usability test quality heuristics](https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/usability-test-quality-heuristics/){.usa-link .usa-link--external}

</section>

<section class="method--section method--section--government-considerations" markdown="1" >

## Government considerations

No PRA implications. First, any given usability test should involve nine or fewer users. Additionally, the PRA explicitly exempts direct observation and non-standardized conversation, 5 CFR 1320.3(h)3. It also specifically excludes tests of knowledge or aptitude, 5 CFR 1320.3(h)7, which is essentially what a usability test tests. See the methods for
[Recruiting]({{ "/methods/fundamentals/recruiting/" | url }}) and [Privacy]({{ "/methods/fundamentals/privacy/" | url }}) for more tips on taking input from the public.
</section>
