Remote Usability Testing: Study Guide

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.

Remote Moderated Usability Testing

Remote Unmoderated Usability Testing