What are the most effective task scenarios and instructions to reveal users' preferences and habits?

1 Why task scenarios and instructions matter

Task scenarios and instructions are the core elements of any usability test. They define what you want your users to do, how you want them to do it, and what feedback you want them to provide. They also set the context, motivation, and tone of the test. Therefore, they have a significant impact on the quality and validity of your data and findings. Poorly written task scenarios and instructions can confuse, frustrate, or bias your users, leading to inaccurate or misleading results.

2 How to write clear and concise task scenarios

A task scenario is a brief description of a situation or problem that your user needs to solve or accomplish using your product or service. It should be realistic, relevant, and specific to your user persona and your research objectives. A good task scenario should include a goal, a trigger, a context, and a constraint. For example, when testing a travel booking app, the task scenario could be: A user wants to find and book a hotel close to the Eiffel Tower with free Wi-Fi and within their budget in 10 minutes. This provides the goal, trigger, context, and constraint for the user to complete the task.

3 How to write simple and direct task instructions

A task instruction is a succinct command that informs your user what to do or look for in each task scenario. It should be easy to comprehend, comply with, and complete. Additionally, it should avoid leading or influencing your user's decisions or opinions. A good task instruction should have an action verb, a target object, and a criterion. For instance, the task instruction for the previous task scenario could be "Find and book a hotel that meets your criteria." This straightforward instruction ensures the user is able to complete the task quickly and accurately.

4 How to write open-ended and neutral task questions

A task question is a follow-up question that requests your user to express their thoughts, feelings, or preferences about the task they just completed. It should be open-ended, meaning that it allows your user to answer freely, rather than choosing from predetermined options. Additionally, it should be neutral, not implying any desired answer. A good task question should contain a question word (e.g., what, why, how), a topic (e.g., the task, the product, the experience), and a scope (e.g., general, specific, comparative). As an example, for the previous task instruction a suitable task question might be: "How satisfied are you with the hotel you booked and why?"

5 How to test and refine your task scenarios and instructions

Before conducting a usability test with real users, it is important to test and refine your task scenarios and instructions with a small sample of representative users or colleagues. This can help identify any issues or gaps in your task design, such as ambiguity, difficulty, irrelevance, or bias. To do this, you can use methods such as pilot testing, cognitive walkthroughs, and heuristic evaluation. These tips and best practices can help you create task scenarios and instructions that reveal user preferences and habits and improve your product or service.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?