Guerrilla testing is an informal and fairly fast method of testing various ideas, receiving feedback, as well as finding errors in user experiences. They can be made practically anywhere - both on the street and in a cafe or restaurant. The ideal research group is 8-10 people, whose testing takes a few minutes for each tested. What exactly do they rely on?
Guerrilla testing as the only research method?
Please note that guerrilla testing cannot be the only alternative to formal testing. Admittedly, this is a way to get valuable feedback, however Full research will be more effective.. In addition, guerrilla testing is not accurate enough to be the only research method.
It is worth being aware that guerrilla testing may not be effective in every case. Their usefulness depends on good preparation and the way in which UX research are performed. If done correctly — They will be of great valueIf not, the researcher will only waste his time.
Benefits of Guerrilla Testing
What are the main advantages of guerrilla testing?
- Ability to move quickly to search for the next tested,
- low cost of performing tests, especially if the budget is limited,
- the possibility of verifying previous assumptions,
- how to identify areas that require more in-depth research,
- optimal method of operation when performing small iterations.
Partisan Testing Restrictions
Like any research method, guerrilla testing is also associated with certain limitations. These are:
- short time spent with participants, as a result of which the information obtained may not be accurate,
- problems with persuading stakeholders to the conclusions that arise during research,
- Research participants may not be users of the product.
How to conduct guerrilla tests?
In order for the guerrilla tests to pass successfully, it is necessary to properly prepare for nothing and create a strategy for action.
Set a goal
Ask yourself the question first — why do you want to do this kind of research, what information do you want to get. This test takes only a few minutes, you need to know exactly what questions the participants have to answer.
Encourage participants to participate in research
Since the research group is to be made up of strangers, you need to somehow encourage them to participate in the test. You only have a moment to introduce them to your product. It's a good idea to try talking in a coffee shop where people are in no hurry and will probably be able to take a moment for you. So think about how to convince them to talk.
Bet on several locations
It can be difficult to gather a diverse group to conduct research in one place. So change the location — this will increase the likelihood that you will meet people with different interests, priorities and goals. Diversification of research groups will affect the result of the tests carried out and will give more tangible results. Ask questions to people of different ages, genders, different cultures.
Inform participants of your needs
Even if you get subtle signs of understanding from users, don't assume they know what's really going on. You have to tell them who you are and what the priorities of your colleagues are. Introduce yourself as a professional and encourage them to help.
Look for a person who is not in a hurry
Do not try to talk to someone who is clearly in a hurry - he ends a visit to a cafe, restaurant or any other place. If you can't finish the study quietly, it won't make any sense.
Have an accompanying person with you
When looking for people willing to talk, it is worth having an accomplice with you. Together you will make more accurate notes. It can help you in your search for information.
Write down information
The easiest way to record the data obtained by the test participants is to take notes on a piece of paper. Write down all the information you want to get — this will be very helpful throughout the process. Prepare sections that interest you, such as gender, age, work they do, origin, place of residence, etc.
Have a ready version of your website or mobile app with you to present it to the user — it can be printed or in prototype form.
Create a script
Creating a script will be very helpful, both for you and for the participant. It would be good to keep it simple and understandable to both parties. Determine the tasks that the user will have to perform and check which ones are really important. Introduce him to the problem and do not suggest solutions.
Bet on listening
Do not enter into unnecessary discussions, listen! Do not direct users to the actions they are supposed to perform, let them make the decision themselves. Only then will the research be reliable - because that's what you need.
Gather a group of the right size
Try to find as large a group of test subjects as possible. The optimal number of them is 8-10. This will take relatively little time, and the results can be tangible.
Do not exceed the allotted time
Do not take more time for users than is necessary. Plan the scenarios so that you can fit in the allotted time. If you exceed it, you may not get a response from as many participants with whom you assumed to interview.
Analyze
The moment you have finished doing all the tests with the users, you have received some cards with valuable information. Review them as soon as possible to get all the necessary data fresh. Group them according to the scenario and search for the themes that appear most often. You already have a relative outline of what its future users think of a website or mobile application.
Present the results of the research
The moment you collect the data and group it appropriately, identify usage patterns and then share the knowledge with the team. Keep in mind that information needs to be communicated in different ways, depending on who you are talking to — the stakeholder, the designer, the developer, etc.
Checking the Usability of Guerrilla Testing Answers
Guerrilla testing cannot form the basis of user research. The formal part is therefore a necessity. However, if you do not have the right budget — this is the basis for determining the needs of customers and their requirements. Ponder, whether tests of this type fit the productthat you are going to present to potential users. There is a high probability that you will not find people who will suit your requirements. So act thoughtfully and prudently so as not to waste precious time.
Do not forget about Defining a clear goal of your actions. Think about the exact plan, that is, the presentation of the product, the scenarios that you are going to use, the questions you plan to ask, the preparation for creating notes. Find a person who will be able to help you carry out the activities. Search for the best locations, people who are likely to give the best answers.
What is important, Don't ask questions to everyone you meet. Think about who will be able to meet your expectations. Check that the test takers have the right amount of time. Do not act in a hurry.
In this case, spontaneous actions are not suitable. So be prepared and Create the best possible scenario. Keep in mind the time you will have to devote to research. Then take on the difficult task of analyzing the answers you will get. Think about the questions that came up most often with the interviewees.
Guerrilla tests are often considered unnecessary. However, if someone is just starting a business and does not have a large budget — this is the right solution for him. Of course, if only he has a plan for how to do the research.
If you want to learn a little more about how to improve your digital products — check out our Knowledgebase. Do you want to seek professional advice? Contact us!
