Learn how to leverage Moderated Tests to improve your products and services.
What is a Moderated Test?
Moderated test sessions are led by a person, often a UX designer or researcher, who presents a scenario to the participant. They are given a task to solve, often within a digital interface. The designer then sits with the individual, guiding them and asking follow-up questions.
Moderated user tests are conducted at a physical location or in an online meeting with a moderator or facilitator present who can answer questions and guide participants through the test.
What does the testing process look like?
Our moderated testing process has a lead time of 1 to 3 weeks as the recruitment is done mainly manually by a dedicated project manager who supports you as a customer and the participants before, during and after the test.
Detailed and nuanced feedback and possibility to observe non-verbal cues
The moderator observes participants’ behavior and collects feedback. The advantage is that the researcher can observe the user’s behavior in real-time and ask follow-up questions to gain insights which provides detailed and nuanced feedback since the researcher can ask for clarification and observe non-verbal cues. The advantage of a traditional moderated session is also that it is easier to control the test environment and observe users.
Various ways of conducting moderated sessions
1. Moderated sessions at home of the participant
Home-based user testing is a dynamic and insightful method where a moderator or researcher conducts a testing session at the participant’s residence. It fosters a natural testing environment, allowing for authentic observations and feedback that may not be achievable in a controlled setting. It provides a unique perspective, capturing how users genuinely interact with a product within the context of their own homes. The challenge is home visits require more planning and coordination due to logistical constraints.
2. Moderated sessions at a test facility or at an office
In a moderated user test conducted at a physical location, there is a moderator or tester present during the session who can answer questions and guide participants through the test. The advantage of a traditional moderated user test is that it’s easier to control the test environment and observe the users. However, there are certain logistical challenges with on-site testing, both for participants and moderators.
3. Online remote moderated session
A test conducted remotely can also be moderated, meaning it has a moderator or tester present during the test session. However, unlike “regular” moderated tests, the moderator and participants are in different locations. Interaction takes place via video calls and screen sharing. Participants join the test and receive instructions and tasks digitally, either in advance or during the session, and can conduct the test on their own computers. The advantage of this type of test is also that it is flexible, often attracting more participants than physical tests. The challenge is to make the technology and interaction between the moderator and participants work seamlessly.
When a moderated session might be the best fit:
✔️ When you want to understand both interaction behavior and to understand the why behind the what (the behavior).
✔️ When accuracy is important, for example when doing discovery and really wanting to talk to a specific type of participant in order to understand their concrete view, needs and motivations.
✔️ When accuracy is important, for example when validating a concept and needing the opinion of someone who has experience with how the original solution works.
✔️ When you need to understand context, needs, driving forces and to some extent, behavior.
✔️ When researching accessibility, ensuring that the product seamlessly integrates into the participant’s daily life.
✔️ When testing a physical product.
✔️ If the number of participants is relatively small.
Tips for conducting moderated sessions
Make sure to establish a comfortable and open communication channel with the participants so that they feel welcome and are easier able to share their thoughts. Reassure them that there are no right or wrong answers. This helps in retrieving more genuine feedback and insights, contributing to a more effective testing process.
