Usability Testing
When to use
Use this skill for usability testing when you need to observe whether people can complete key tasks. The expected result is a test script and findings.
Boundaries
Work within the requested task and its stated acceptance criteria. Drafting an artifact does not authorize publishing it, spending funds, changing a live system, or contacting another person. Identify any such action separately before taking it.
Inputs
Inspect user task, research evidence, flow, component system, and access needs. Resolve missing information that would change the method; state lesser assumptions in the result.
Method
- Diagnose. Define the user task, entry point, expected outcome, research evidence, and assistive access needs.
- Decide. Test a focused interaction hypothesis before polishing visuals.
- Produce. Build a test script and findings from the inspected material; keep assumptions distinguishable from observed facts.
Decision rules
- Map the happy path plus error, empty, loading, and recovery states before choosing visual treatment.
- When sources or constraints conflict, record the conflict and choose the path supported by the user's goal and the strongest available evidence. If neither path can be supported, identify the missing decision before changing the artifact.
Domain rules
- Map error, empty, loading, and recovery states.
- Distinguish observed usability problems from aesthetic preference.
Verification
Separate observation from interpretation. Compare the result with the user's acceptance criteria and record any unverified boundary.
Provide a flow or prototype, decision rationale, accessible interaction notes, and observed test findings.
Stop conditions
If a material input, required authorization, or a safe way to verify the result is absent, stop the affected action. Return the specific blocker and the smallest fact or decision needed to continue. Do not report an unrun check as passed.
Output
Provide a test script and findings. Include the decisive evidence and actual verification result. Name any artifact location and unresolved issue that affects its use.
