Finding usability test subjects on Craigslist

Create screening form

Make a usability testing screener in Google Forms. Ask questions that will give the team an indication of fit for the test. This might be a variety of past experiences or demographic information. It should change with every project.

Post message

Put this up at least 1 week before the testing, to ensure we have a wide variety of people to choose from. Post on craigslist under "gigs":

Title: Get paid to help us test our websites

We're looking for people to use our websites and give us feedback.

We'll sit you down at a computer and have you perform a handful of tasks, giving us feedback as you do so. You don't need to be an expert at using the computer or the internet; in fact, we'd prefer people who consider themselves average users.

We'll need about 45 minutes of your time and will give you Compensation. The sessions will take place this [Date] and [Second Date], at [Times].

[Studio location or remote instructions]

If you are interested, please click the link below and answer a few questions:

[link to Google Form]

We'll get in touch with you to confirm your appointment by [Few days before testing date].

Select subjects

A few days before the testing view the responses. Choose 3 participants, either randomly, or based on the demographics needed for the project.

Email chosen participants

Example:

``` Thank you for your interest in usability testing! You have been chosen for the [Time] usability testing slot, [Date].

We will need about 30 minutes of your time and we will be giving you [compensation]

Could you please let me know by 6 PM this evening if you are able to participate? If I don't hear from you this evening, I will have to choose another participant. ```

Give a deadline on that evening [or the next morning] since we have been stood up so many times, and want a reliable person!

Once confirmed, email back with address and directions:

``` Great! Thanks for the quick response.

You're now confirmed for the [Time] appointment on [Date].

[Studio address and directions if in-person / Zoom instructions if remote]

If anything comes up, please email me. Its very important that we have a participant for the session, so please do let me know if you cannot make it for any reason. Those who do not show up on time [or] do not show at all will not be considered for any future usability testing sessions.

I'll be sending you a reminder Thursday morning, but please let me know if you have any questions in the meantime.

Thanks again! ```

Reminder

Day before testing/of testing, email reminder:

``` This is a reminder that you are participating in usability testing today at 1:30 PM at [Studio address if in-person or Zoom link].

Please let me know if there is any reason that you can not make it today. Thank you for your time and looking forward to meeting you. ```