What it is
Moderated or unmoderated sessions in which representative users attempt tasks with a low-fidelity prototype, to surface fundamental usability problems before visual design.
Why use it
Problems found in wireframes cost far less to fix than those found after high-fidelity design or development.
Use this when
- A testable low-fidelity prototype covers the main flows
- Key workflow decisions are untested with real users
- Significant design investment is about to begin
You may not need this when
- Prior testing or strong evidence supports the approach
- The feature is a minor, low-risk change
- Earlier research already answered the usability questions
Dependencies — what you need
- Access to representative users
- A testing environment or tools (Hubble, Microsoft Teams, in person)
- Defined task scenarios and success criteria
People involved
- Design
- Research
- Product
Typical outputs
- Session recordings and notes
- Prioritized usability issues, with how many participants hit each
- Design recommendations for each issue
- Evidence on how core workflows worked for the people tested
Template
Usability Testing (Early) template
A fill-in structure for running this method: what to prepare, what to do, what to record, and how to read the result.
How AI can help
AI as augmentation — not replacement
- Draft a test plan and task scenarios from the prototype scope
- Draft screener criteria for recruiting
- Find patterns across session notes, citing sessions
- Draft a findings summary with prioritized recommendations
AI prompt
A prompt for any AI assistant. It works only from material you paste in, keeps assumptions apart from findings, and leaves the decisions to you.