Task

Why Tasks are Important in User Research

Tasks play a crucial role in user research as they provide a structured way to observe and analyze user behavior. By assigning specific tasks, researchers can:

1. Evaluate the usability of a product or interface
2. Identify pain points in the user experience
3. Measure task completion rates and efficiency
4. Gather valuable insights into user thought processes

How Tasks are Used in User Research

Researchers employ tasks in various user research methods, including:

1. Usability testing: Participants complete predefined tasks while researchers observe and collect data.
2. Remote user testing: Tasks are assigned to users who perform them in their own environment.
3. A/B testing: Different versions of a task are compared to determine which performs better.
4. Eye-tracking studies: Tasks help researchers understand where users focus their attention during interactions.

Examples of Tasks in User Research

1. "Find and purchase a red t-shirt in size medium on our e-commerce website."
2. "Create a new account and set up a profile picture on our social media app."
3. "Book a round-trip flight from New York to London for next month using our travel booking platform."
4. "Locate and change the privacy settings on your account dashboard."

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes a good task in user research?: A good task is clear, specific, realistic, and aligned with research objectives. It should be something users would naturally do in real-life scenarios.

• How many tasks should be included in a user research session?: The number of tasks depends on the study's goals and time constraints. Typically, 3-5 tasks for a 30-60 minute session is appropriate to avoid participant fatigue.

• Can tasks be modified during a user research session?: While it's best to stick to predefined tasks for consistency, researchers may need to adapt or clarify tasks based on participant feedback or unexpected issues that arise during the session.

• How do you measure task success in user research?: Task success can be measured through various metrics such as completion rate, time on task, error rate, and subjective user satisfaction scores.