In a remote usability testing session, the researcher and participant are not in the same physical location. This differs from traditional usability testing, in which the researcher and participant would meet in person.

Here’s a list of NN/g’s most useful introductory articles and videos about remote usability testing. Within each section, the resources are in recommended reading order.

For hands-on training, check out our full-day course on Remote User Research.

Moderated vs. Unmoderated

There are two types of remote usability testing: moderated and unmoderated.

Remote moderated usability testing is very much like an in-person study. The primary difference is that the facilitator and participant aren’t in the same physical location. Researchers often use video-conferencing software to conduct remote moderated testing.

Remote unmoderated usability testing does not use a facilitator at all. Instead, the researcher sets up instructions and tasks in a remote-testing platform). Then the participant completes those tasks on their own, while recording their screen, voice, and (sometimes) their webcam.

Number

Link

Format

Description

1

Remote Usability Tests: Moderated and Unmoderated

Article

The key differences between the two types of remote testing, and when to use each 

2

Remote Usability Testing Costs

Video

A comparison of the costs of the two types of remote usability testing

3

Remote Usability-Testing Costs: Moderated vs. Unmoderated

Article

4

The Case for Remote Moderated Usability Testing

Video

Why you might want to consider moderated testing, even though unmoderated testing is cheaper and faster

5

Remote Moderated Usability Tests: Why to Do them

Article

Remote Moderated Usability Testing

Number

Link

Format

Description

1

Running a Remote Usability Test, Part 1

Video

Step-by-step instructions for running a moderated test

2

Running a Remote Usability Test, Part 2

Video

3

Remote Moderated Usability Tests: How to Do Them

Article

4

How to Run a Usability Test with Users Who Are on Your Site Now

Article

How to use intercept surveys to recruit participants and immediately run moderated testing

Remote Unmoderated Usability Testing

Number

Link

Format

Description

1

Unmoderated User Tests: How and Why to Do Them

Article

When to use unmoderated testing, along with step-by-step instructions for running an unmoderated test 

2

Tools for Unmoderated Usability Testing

Article

How to choose the best unmoderated-testing tool for your needs, plus a comparison of the features of many testing tools

3

Catching Cheaters and Outliers in Remote Unmoderated Studies

Video

Tips for catching and removing problem participants (one of the risks of running unmoderated testing)

4

Catching Problem Participants in Remote Unmoderated Studies

Article