What Is Moderated Testing?

What is moderated testing?

Moderated testing is user research methodology where a moderator or researcher will speak directly with a participant and the researcher / moderator will facilitate the testing.

Benefits of conducting moderated testing

Moderated testing gives you more control. This testing allows guidance and support. The facilitator can get a test participant back on track if they notice that the participant has misunderstood or is confused. Facilitators can also ask clarifying questions to better understand user behavior. Source
This form of testing results in participants that are more engaged. Moderators can have a natural conversation with test participants, which helps establish trust and makes test participants more motivated to complete tasks. Source

Cons of moderated testing

It requires preparation. Moderated testing needs upfront planning — you’ll need source the necessary equipment and coordinate the time and date with your test participants. Source

When should I conduct moderated testing?

Moderated testing is great for new ideas or concepts. It's also great for generating user personas and understanding your customers. Moderated interviews can also be great when you are reviewing complex flows where it might be confusing to conduct an unmoderated session.

How many participants do I need for a moderated study?

Participants: people who are giving feedback. They can also sometimes be referred to as "testers." PlaybookUX has a participant panel where you can select your target demographic or you can use your own participants for a study if you have a list of your own customers or users who are looking to give feedback.
Moderator: someone who is responsible for interviewing the participant. The moderator will ask the participants questions and is responsible for controlling the session.
Hidden observer: someone on your team who joins the meeting via an observer link. They are not visible to participants.
Test asset: what you are looking to get feedback on. It can be a prototype, website, mobile app, youtube video, blog post, marketing email, Facebook ad among other things.