User Testing Foundations
Learn about research methodologies, and the importance of Usability Testing in this Level 1 masterclass.
About this course
This practical 2-day course designed to equip participants with the core skills and confidence needed to plan, conduct, analyse, and present effective user tests.
Combining clear theory with real-world examples from the region and guided practice inside our research lab, the course walks through every stage of the testing process - from choosing the right method and recruiting participants to moderating sessions, capturing insights, synthesising data, and communicating findings with impact.
By the end of the course, participants will have a complete, ready-to-use toolkit for running user tests that reduce risk, uncover usability issues early, and help create more intuitive, user-centred products.
- Practical moderation experience in our usability lab
- Real note-taking and analysis practice
- Templates for test plans, scripts, and reporting
- A repeatable, end-to-end user testing process
- The confidence to run user tests internally or with clients
Course modules
Day 1 - Theory
Module 1: What is User Testing?
An introduction to user testing as a core component of user-centred design.
- What user testing is (and isn’t)
- Where testing fits in the design and product lifecycle
- How user testing supports decision-making, reduces assumptions, and leads to better products
Module 2: The Importance of User Testing
Why testing matters - for users and the business.
- The cost of not testing
- Evidence from the industry and region
Module 3: Types of Testing, When, and Why to Use Each Type
A clear breakdown of testing methods and when to apply them.
- Qualitative vs. quantitative testing
- Generative vs. evaluative research
- In-person vs. remote, moderated vs. unmoderated
- How to choose the right method based on goals and stage of the project
Module 4: Planning and Strategy
How to design a strong, bias-free user test.
- Setting objectives and hypotheses
- Defining tasks, scenarios, and success measures
- Writing test scripts and discussion guides
- Planning logistics, timing, resources, and equipment
Module 5: Recruitment
How to recruit the right people for meaningful results.
- Defining user profiles and screening criteria
- Sample sizes and participant selection
- Recruitment channels, incentives, and scheduling
Module 6: Moderation
Mastering the craft of guiding a test session.
- Building rapport and neutral facilitation
- Think-aloud technique and probing strategies
- Avoiding bias, leading questions, and interference
- Handling confusion, silence, and unexpected behaviours
Module 7: Note-Taking
Capturing observations that translate into insights.
- What to record during sessions
- Behavioural vs. attitudinal notes
- Techniques: structured note-taking, timestamping, tagging
- Preparing notes for analysis
Module 8: Stakeholder Management
Ensuring alignment and involvement throughout the process.
- How to set expectations with stakeholders
- Involving observers appropriately
- Communicating testing outcomes and value
Day 2 - Practical & Theory
Recap of Day 1
A short review to consolidate key concepts and prepare for hands-on practice.
Module 9: Moderation (In Our Research Lab)
Live facilitation practice in a real testing environment.
- Running full sessions with users or peers
- Observing behaviours, emotional cues, and task flow breakdowns
- Using lab tools (recording, screen capture, observer areas)
Module 10: Note-Taking
Applying structured note-taking techniques in a live session.
- Real-time observation practice
- Capturing actionable behavioural data
- Translating observations into usable insights
Module 11: Lab Walkthrough
Understanding how a professional UX lab operates.
- Equipment overview (cameras, mics, viewing rooms)
- Setup best practices and troubleshooting
- Working with observers and ensuring smooth session flow
Module 12: Analysis
Turning raw data into meaningful insights.
- Synthesising findings using affinity mapping
- Identifying patterns, usability issues, and opportunities
- Prioritising insights based on impact and severity
- Connecting findings to design recommendations
Module 13: Reporting: Report Structure & Storytelling
Presenting insights that drive action.
- Structuring a clear, impactful findings report
- Using evidence: quotes, behaviours, screenshots
- Framing problems and recommendations
- Creating a narrative that resonates with stakeholders
Module 14: Playback
Presenting insights in a clear, confident format.
- Delivering a compelling playback session
- Handling stakeholder questions and objections
- Ensuring the findings lead to meaningful next steps
Final Q&A Session
Who is this for?
This course is offered as a 2-day introduction course into User Testing and is ideal for:
- UX and product beginners
- Designers, developers, and business teams involved in product planning
- Junior researchers or teams looking to standardise their testing approach
- Anyone seeking to introduce or strengthen user-centric practices within their organisation
No previous research experience is required.
About this course
This practical 2-day course designed to equip participants with the core skills and confidence needed to plan, conduct, analyse, and present effective user tests.
Combining clear theory with real-world examples from the region and guided practice inside our research lab, the course walks through every stage of the testing process - from choosing the right method and recruiting participants to moderating sessions, capturing insights, synthesising data, and communicating findings with impact.
By the end of the course, participants will have a complete, ready-to-use toolkit for running user tests that reduce risk, uncover usability issues early, and help create more intuitive, user-centred products.
- Practical moderation experience in our usability lab
- Real note-taking and analysis practice
- Templates for test plans, scripts, and reporting
- A repeatable, end-to-end user testing process
- The confidence to run user tests internally or with clients
Course modules
Day 1 - Theory
Module 1: What is User Testing?
An introduction to user testing as a core component of user-centred design.
- What user testing is (and isn’t)
- Where testing fits in the design and product lifecycle
- How user testing supports decision-making, reduces assumptions, and leads to better products
Module 2: The Importance of User Testing
Why testing matters - for users and the business.
- The cost of not testing
- Evidence from the industry and region
Module 3: Types of Testing, When, and Why to Use Each Type
A clear breakdown of testing methods and when to apply them.
- Qualitative vs. quantitative testing
- Generative vs. evaluative research
- In-person vs. remote, moderated vs. unmoderated
- How to choose the right method based on goals and stage of the project
Module 4: Planning and Strategy
How to design a strong, bias-free user test.
- Setting objectives and hypotheses
- Defining tasks, scenarios, and success measures
- Writing test scripts and discussion guides
- Planning logistics, timing, resources, and equipment
Module 5: Recruitment
How to recruit the right people for meaningful results.
- Defining user profiles and screening criteria
- Sample sizes and participant selection
- Recruitment channels, incentives, and scheduling
Module 6: Moderation
Mastering the craft of guiding a test session.
- Building rapport and neutral facilitation
- Think-aloud technique and probing strategies
- Avoiding bias, leading questions, and interference
- Handling confusion, silence, and unexpected behaviours
Module 7: Note-Taking
Capturing observations that translate into insights.
- What to record during sessions
- Behavioural vs. attitudinal notes
- Techniques: structured note-taking, timestamping, tagging
- Preparing notes for analysis
Module 8: Stakeholder Management
Ensuring alignment and involvement throughout the process.
- How to set expectations with stakeholders
- Involving observers appropriately
- Communicating testing outcomes and value
Day 2 - Practical & Theory
Recap of Day 1
A short review to consolidate key concepts and prepare for hands-on practice.
Module 9: Moderation (In Our Research Lab)
Live facilitation practice in a real testing environment.
- Running full sessions with users or peers
- Observing behaviours, emotional cues, and task flow breakdowns
- Using lab tools (recording, screen capture, observer areas)
Module 10: Note-Taking
Applying structured note-taking techniques in a live session.
- Real-time observation practice
- Capturing actionable behavioural data
- Translating observations into usable insights
Module 11: Lab Walkthrough
Understanding how a professional UX lab operates.
- Equipment overview (cameras, mics, viewing rooms)
- Setup best practices and troubleshooting
- Working with observers and ensuring smooth session flow
Module 12: Analysis
Turning raw data into meaningful insights.
- Synthesising findings using affinity mapping
- Identifying patterns, usability issues, and opportunities
- Prioritising insights based on impact and severity
- Connecting findings to design recommendations
Module 13: Reporting: Report Structure & Storytelling
Presenting insights that drive action.
- Structuring a clear, impactful findings report
- Using evidence: quotes, behaviours, screenshots
- Framing problems and recommendations
- Creating a narrative that resonates with stakeholders
Module 14: Playback
Presenting insights in a clear, confident format.
- Delivering a compelling playback session
- Handling stakeholder questions and objections
- Ensuring the findings lead to meaningful next steps
Final Q&A Session
Who is this for?
This course is offered as a 2-day introduction course into User Testing and is ideal for:
- UX and product beginners
- Designers, developers, and business teams involved in product planning
- Junior researchers or teams looking to standardise their testing approach
- Anyone seeking to introduce or strengthen user-centric practices within their organisation
No previous research experience is required.
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UAE: 2707, The Dome Tower,
Cluster N, JLT, Dubai, UAE
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