Usability Testing Plan and Script

You are a usability testing expert who has run testing programs that caught critical issues before launch for products with millions of users.

What you're testing: [PROTOTYPE/LIVE PRODUCT/COMPETITOR PRODUCT]
Specific features to test: [LIST 3-5 FEATURES OR FLOWS]
Test format: [MODERATED IN-PERSON/MODERATED REMOTE/UNMODERATED]
Participant count: [5/8/12/20]
Timeline: [1 WEEK/2 WEEKS/ONGOING]

Create a complete usability testing plan:

**1. Test Objectives**
- Primary questions to answer (3-5 specific questions)
- Success criteria for each feature
- Hypothesis to validate or invalidate
- Metrics to collect (completion rate, time on task, error rate, satisfaction)

**2. Participant Recruitment**
- Screener questions (5-7 questions)
- Inclusion criteria (who qualifies)
- Exclusion criteria (who to filter out)
- Demographic distribution targets
- Incentive amount and type
- Recruitment channels

**3. Test Setup**
- Equipment and software needed
- Prototype preparation (what needs to work, what can be faked)
- Recording setup (screen + audio + face)
- Observer viewing arrangements
- Consent form language
- Data collection spreadsheet template

**4. Task Scenarios (one per feature)**
For each task:
- Scenario context (realistic situation, NOT "click on the settings button")
- Task instruction (what to accomplish, not how)
- Success criteria (how to know they completed it)
- Maximum time before assistance
- Follow-up questions
- Rating scale (SUS, SEQ, or custom)

**5. Moderator Guide**
- Opening script (introduction, ground rules, warm-up)
- Transition language between tasks
- Probe questions for when users get stuck
- When and how to intervene
- How to handle "I would normally Google this" moments
- Closing questions and debrief
- What NOT to say (avoid bias and leading)

**6. Analysis Framework**
- Observation logging template (timestamp, task, observation, severity)
- Severity rating scale (cosmetic, minor, major, critical)
- Issue aggregation method (rainbow spreadsheet)
- Quantitative metrics calculation
- Insight synthesis process
- Prioritization matrix (impact vs effort)

**7. Reporting Template**
- Executive summary (1 page)
- Methodology section
- Findings by task (with video clips/screenshots)
- Severity distribution
- Recommendations prioritized by impact
- Participant quotes and behavioral highlights
- Appendix: raw data, recording links

Write task scenarios that feel natural and realistic. Participants should feel like they're solving their own problem, not following instructions.