User Testing

Term from Accessibility Consulting industry explained for recruiters

User Testing is a way to make sure websites, apps, and other digital products work well for everyone, including people with disabilities. It involves watching real people try to use a product and gathering their feedback. This helps companies find and fix problems before launching their products. Think of it like a "test drive" for digital products, where actual users, including those who use assistive technologies like screen readers, try to complete everyday tasks. Similar terms include usability testing, accessibility testing, or UX testing. This is an important part of making sure digital products are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted User Testing sessions with diverse participants including those using assistive technologies

Organized and led User Testing and Usability Testing projects for major retail websites

Created detailed reports based on User Testing findings to improve website accessibility

Typical job title: "User Testing Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Usability Researcher User Experience Researcher Accessibility Tester UX Tester User Research Specialist Accessibility Specialist Digital Accessibility Consultant

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a user testing program for a large e-commerce website focused on accessibility?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating diverse testing groups, including people with different disabilities, planning multiple testing sessions, using various assistive technologies, and creating comprehensive reporting systems.

Q: How do you handle stakeholder resistance to making changes based on user testing results?

Expected Answer: Should explain approaches to presenting data effectively, connecting findings to business goals, using real user stories, and demonstrating potential legal and business impacts of not addressing accessibility issues.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to recruit participants for user testing?

Expected Answer: Should describe various recruitment channels, screening processes, ensuring diverse representation, and maintaining a participant database while following privacy guidelines.

Q: How do you document and present user testing findings?

Expected Answer: Should explain creating clear reports, using videos and screenshots, prioritizing issues, and making actionable recommendations in non-technical language.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between moderated and unmoderated user testing?

Expected Answer: Should explain that moderated testing involves a facilitator guiding participants through tasks, while unmoderated testing allows participants to complete tasks independently, usually remotely.

Q: How do you create good task scenarios for user testing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss writing clear, realistic tasks that reflect actual user goals, avoiding leading language, and keeping instructions simple and understandable.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic testing methods and procedures
  • Note-taking during sessions
  • Following test scripts
  • Basic accessibility awareness

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Test planning and participant recruitment
  • Report writing and presentation
  • Working with assistive technologies
  • Understanding accessibility guidelines

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program strategy and management
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Advanced accessibility knowledge
  • Testing program design

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience working with people with disabilities
  • Lack of knowledge about basic accessibility guidelines
  • Poor communication or empathy skills
  • No understanding of assistive technologies