Good practices in pilot testing: what unfolds when we do not do them?
Pilot tests are a fundamental stage in the UX Research process, especially before conducting user testing. These tests allow us to validate the design and methodology we plan to use, ensuring that the data collection process is effective and that the results are meaningful. Below, we’ll dive deeper into the importance of pilot testing and how it can improve the quality of our research.
Why do we always run a pilot test?
Before starting a formal test with real users, we need to be sure that our test script is clear, that the tasks are well understood, and that the tools work without surprises. Pilot tests give us that margin for review in a safe environment with a small number of participants.
More than once, after running a pilot, we’ve realized that a particular instruction was confusing or that navigating through the prototype wasn’t as intuitive as we expected. Being able to adjust those details before going into the field makes a big difference in the quality of the data we collect.
What do we observe during a pilot test?
During a pilot test, it’s crucial to observe and evaluate several aspects of the process. Here are some examples of adjustments we’ve had to make in previous tests:
- Clarity of instructions: More than once, we’ve found that the initial instructions weren’t clear enough. Tweaking the wording or providing examples can help participants better understand what’s expected of them, without assuming any prior knowledge.
- Task duration: Sometimes, tasks that look manageable on paper turn out to be too long or too complex when tested in practice. Reducing task duration or breaking them into smaller steps can improve the overall user experience during testing.
- Relevance of questions: We’ve also encountered situations where some questions weren’t relevant to the overall study context, or didn’t focus on the type of information we were looking for. The pilot helps us refine our focus or eliminate those questions altogether.
- Prototype interaction: If the prototype has technical issues or doesn’t work as expected, it’s essential to fix them before user testing to avoid failed sessions. This may include adjustments to the interface or its functionality.
What happens if we don’t run a pilot test?
Skipping pilot testing can lead to several issues during user testing. It might go smoothly, but the risk of something going wrong is very high. Here are some real-life examples we’ve encountered (which we no longer overlook):
- Misinterpreted tasks: Without a pilot test, participants may misunderstand a key task, leading to unreliable data. A pilot helps us spot and fix that confusion.
- Technical problems: A malfunction in the application during user testing causes frustration and wastes time. For example, if a key section doesn’t load properly, it may force us to interrupt the session and reschedule everything — leading to delays and increased costs.
- Irrelevant feedback: Without prior validation of the discussion guide, participants may provide feedback that’s not useful. This can lead to design decisions based on misleading information.
Best practices for creating and reviewing the guide
To ensure that the script is effective, it’s important to follow certain best practices. These are some of the key points we take into account:
- Be clear about what we want to learn: It’s not about asking many questions, but about asking the right ones to meet the specific objectives of the study.
- Include examples and clarifications: We need to make sure the instructions are clear and easy to follow. We use simple sentences, avoid ambiguity, and, when necessary, include concrete examples.
- Review and refine: Before the pilot test, we review the guide with other team members (who are not directly involved in the project) to get feedback and make the necessary adjustments. This exchange gives us new perspectives that enrich the approach.
- Run multiple iterations: As a fundamental pillar in any UX project, we don’t hesitate to run several pilot tests and iterate the guide based on the feedback received. What matters is going into user sessions with confidence.
In short, pilot tests are not a formality — they are an active part of the research process. They help us reduce the margin of error, validate our methodological assumptions, and arrive better prepared for user sessions. Making them a habit in our projects has allowed us to work with more confidence and gain clearer insights. In the end, it’s all about conducting research rigorously and respecting everyone’s time.
In day-to-day research projects, decisions like whether or not to run a pilot test can make a big difference in the quality of the results.
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