7 unexpected tips to take your usability testing to the next level
Over the past seven years in design, four of which I’ve spent working on complex, large-scale systems, I've encountered just about everything – from teams that didn’t quite understand what or how to test, to situations where there weren’t even users available for testing. Throughout this journey, I've personally conducted over a hundred usability tests and have trained design teams in the process. Here, I want to share with you some not-so-obvious tips that can help elevate your usability testing to a whole new level. I hope these insights support your growth as a designer.
1. Good preparation is 80% of the test’s success
Usability testing is like a journey: if you set off without a clear plan, you’re likely to get lost. Make sure you have a well-structured document with clearly outlined hypotheses, scenarios, and specific tasks for users. This plan not only structures your test but also helps you focus on the key areas and hypotheses you want to validate. Preparation takes time, but it forms the foundation that makes the testing process yield the best possible results.

Pro tip: Document each hypothesis in a way that allows for easy follow-up and data tracking. This will help you analyze outcomes more effectively and prevent any biases during the post-test evaluation.
2. Test individual features, not the entire interface
When developing something new, it’s tempting to test the entire interface all at once. However, if you ask a user to evaluate everything, there’s a high chance they’ll drift off-script and give you insights that aren’t particularly useful. It’s better to focus on testing individual features and see how easily users can accomplish specific tasks. This approach provides you with more precise insights, helping you improve the areas that matter most at that moment.

Why it works: Studies have shown that targeted testing leads to more actionable insights since users focus their attention on specific tasks rather than navigating the whole interface aimlessly.
3. Conduct iterative tests
Waiting until your layouts are finalized before testing usability is like waiting until a house is built to check if the rooms are laid out conveniently. Instead, test usability at every stage of development. This will allow you to identify and fix weak points early on, without having to rework everything from scratch. Iterative testing is the key to building a truly user-friendly product without wasting time and resources.

Fact to consider: Iterative testing is up to 60% more effective for product improvement because it enables designers to refine features based on real-time feedback, leading to fewer post-launch adjustments.
4. You don’t need to make everything clickable
When creating a prototype, focus on key actions that users need to perform according to the scenario. Making every element clickable can distract test participants and lead to irrelevant insights. Instead, keep interactions focused on what really matters, and if a user tries to click on a non-clickable element, it’s a great opportunity to ask: “What did you expect to see when clicking this element?” These moments often reveal unexpected insights and help uncover hidden expectations from users.

Additional insight: Limiting clickable elements also simplifies the test setup and reduces time spent creating prototypes, enabling faster test iterations.
5. Specialized testing platforms aren’t necessary at first
Usability testing tools offer user databases, analytics, and plenty of great features, but in the early stages, you can often manage without them. Sometimes, the users provided by these tools may not be the best fit for your actual scenario, and they may complete tasks without genuine engagement. This can lead to misleading insights. For the first round of testing, Figma and Zoom can be sufficient. These tools offer the flexibility to stay close to your scenario without investing extra budget or time in additional services.

Tip for early-stage testing: Make a list of criteria for the users you need. Even if you’re just reaching out to friends or colleagues, knowing your target traits will help you find people whose feedback aligns with your test goals.
6. Your colleagues are also users
If your budget or timeline is limited, consider testing your product on colleagues. While this doesn’t replace testing with real target users, even feedback from coworkers (especially those unfamiliar with your product) can provide valuable insights. This quick and easy method can reveal obvious usability issues and give a fresh perspective on familiar elements. In startups, where every idea counts, testing with colleagues can be a great first step toward optimizing the interface.

Note: Set clear boundaries here. Ensure that colleagues understand the context of the testing and don’t rely on their feedback alone for final design decisions.
7. Always bring a partner
Running a test alone means not only engaging with the user but also taking notes, asking questions, and staying focused on the scenario. This can be overwhelming and may result in missing important details. It’s best to conduct the test in pairs: one person interacts with the user, while the other takes notes. This setup not only enables a more thorough analysis but also provides a more comfortable atmosphere for the participant.

How to choose a partner: Look for someone with strong observational skills who can focus on non-verbal cues and nuances. Discuss roles and ensure both of you are aligned on the test goals before starting.
Conclusion
These seven tips are the results of conducting many usability tests, both successful and challenging. Creating interfaces that are intuitive, accessible, and tailored to users’ needs isn’t easy, but each test brings us closer to that goal. I hope my recommendations help you not only improve your skills but also find joy in the usability testing process.
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