Unmoderated Testing

What is an Unmoderated Test?   

Unmoderated test sessions serve as an excellent complement to moderated research, providing valuable insights with less effort and preparation. It depends on the complexity of the test and hypothesis, but in many cases unmoderated test sessions can be a bridge between qualitative and quantitative data.   

It is a valuable and popular option for providing rapid user feedback on a flexible timeline. Similar to remote tests, these sessions do not have a moderator present during the testing phase. Participants receive instructions and tasks digitally, usually through a browser-based platform that eliminates the need for additional downloads. This solution captures participants’ behavior and reactions as they complete the assigned tasks. One notable advantage of this user testing method is the flexibility it offers—participants can engage in the test and fulfill tasks at their convenience, independent of their location, and without the need for a moderator. 
 


What does the testing process look like? 
Our unmoderated testing process is automatic, and you can get access to participants between 1 to 2 days which require the participant profile to consist of basic criteria and not niched. 
 

Increased research convenience and a more powerful business case 

There are numerous advantages to unmoderated tests: 
 
1. They take less time to prepare, are often quicker and more efficient, and can be done at scale. However, this also demands precision when designing the test. It should focus on a very specific aspect to be tested. Such as: How long it takes for the user to navigate through a flow or complete a task; or when you want to eliminate error variables. 
 
2. You can transform qualitative tests into quantitative ones! There has been a prejudice that unmoderated tests lack validity, but it is many times a way to quantify qualitative research. That can be extremely valuable when communicating with various stakeholders. Since speaking about quantified data linked to an experience is very powerful. 

3. Unmoderated remote tests are particularly convenient for prototype testing, providing participants with the ability to embark on the test immediately after application. Participants are not restricted to a specific physical location, and the absence of a moderator makes the process more streamlined. 
 
 

When a unmoderated test might be the best fit 

When you know what you’re looking for and the feedback you seek. The simplest scenario is to conduct a test where you want to check the flow from point A to B. There is no room for speculation because then participants get stuck and do not progress. The prototype must also be extremely stable since you can’t interact with the user; there is no room for error. The test participant is entirely on their own. 

✔️When you are researching the “solution space” and want to understand usability and potential solutions. 

✔️When you evaluate basic interaction patterns (if people find and understand the structure of a certain design). 

✔️For example, when the purpose is to make a benchmark with a focus on metrics such as time on task and error rate. 

✔️When a large number of test participants are needed within short time frames. 
 
 

Tips for conducting unmoderated tests 

Be tough on yourself when preparing for the test and dare to limit yourself. In unmoderated tests, you can’t elaborate. Simply kill your darlings and concentrate on what you know is the problematic area.