Agent skill · writing content · daffy0208
usability-tester
Conduct usability tests and identify UX issues through systematic observation. Use when testing user flows, validating designs, identifying friction points, or ensuring users can complete core tasks. Covers test planning, think-aloud protocol, task scenarios, and severity rating.
Why this skill is useful
Provides structured methodologies for usability testing that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 7k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2025-12-25. 33 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Usability Tester Validate that users can successfully complete core tasks through systematic observation. Core Principle Watch users struggle. The best way to find UX issues is to observe real users attempting real tasks. Their struggles reveal truth that surveys and analytics cannot. Test Planning 1. Define Test Objectives 2. Research Questions 3. Identify Core Tasks Choose 3-5 tasks that represent key user journeys: 4. Recruit Participants Task Scenarios Best Practices ✅ Good task scenario: Why it works: Realistic context Clear goal Natural language Doesn't give step-by-step instructions ❌ Bad task scenario: Why it fails: Step-by-step instructions No context Doesn't test discoverability User just follows orders Task Scenario Template Conducting Tests Think-Aloud Protocol Key instruction to participant: What to listen for: "I'm looking for..." (what they expect) "I thought this would..." (mental models) "This is confusing because..." (friction points) "I'm not sure if..." (uncertainty) Facilitation Rules ✅ Do: Observe silently Take notes Let them struggle (reveals issues) Ask follow-up questions AFTER task Stay neutral ❌ Don't: Help or explain Lead them ("maybe try clicking...") Defend design choices Interrupt during task Show frustration Questions to Ask After Each Task Metrics to Track Task Success Rate Time on Task Error Rate Satisfaction Rating Issue Severity Rating Severity Formula Impact Scale (1-3) Frequency Scale (1-3) Combined Severity System Usability Scale (SUS) 10-question survey (post-test, 1-5 Likert scale): Test Report Template Remote vs In-Person Testing Remote Testing (Moderated) Tools: Zoom, Google Meet, UserTesting.com In-Person Testing Test Frequency Tools & Software Quick Start Checklist Planning Phase [ ] Define test objectives [ ] Write 3-5 task scenarios [ ] Recruit 5-8 participants [ ] Prepare test script [ ] Set up recording Testing Phase [ ] Welcome participant [ ] Explain think-aloud protocol [ ] Conduct tasks (don't help!) [ ] Ask follo …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills daffy0208/usability-tester