Moderator Script

Session Script

Moderator Script: [text formatted for use during session]

Legend: M indicates Moderator.

[BEGIN INTRODUCTION]

M: Thank you, [participant first name], for volunteering for this website usability test session.

Although we’ve previously met through our course’s discussion app,

Yellowtag,

where you’ve seen my name as James,

you can also call me Jim if you prefer.

Do you have a preferred name other than [participant first name]?

M: Even though you’re likely very well aware that this session will be recorded,

will you please acknowledge your permission to record this session?

[BEGIN RECORDING]

M: Alright then... Just to briefly cover some of the details of this session:

M: The first part will include a list of questions that I’ll ask.

There are no right or wrong answers,

so just respond as candidly as possible.

M: You’ll be visiting a particular website and working through a set of user related tasks.

As your accomplishing each task,

and even though I won’t be able to provide you with instructions,

please let me know is you feel stuck.

M: I’m aware that you have training and expertise as a website usability heuristics tester,

but for this website usability session,

I’d like for your role to be limited to that of a website user only,

as unbiased as possible.

M: Although, what I’m looking for more than anything:

I’d like for you to ‘think out-loud’ about your experiences during the session.

Also, try to be as spontaneous as possible when thinking out-loud.

In fact, a succinct phrase is often preferred over a lengthy explanation.

And remember that all of your responses are good because there are no right or wrong answers.

M: Any questions for me before we start?

[respond if any]

M: Lets start with the list of questions…

[BEGIN Pre Tasks Questionnaire:]

M: That concludes the questionnaire.

M: Let’s move on to the tasks.

[BEGIN user scenario specific task list]

Intra-Session Interactions:

[Echo participant to acknowledge their speech]

M: So, your thinking that…

M: OK, I understand

M: Alright, yes

[If not ‘Thinking Out-Loud’]

M: Just a gentle reminder to ‘Please Think Out-Loud as much as possible’

[Appears stuck]

M: What helpful visual cues would you expect to see in the current page/view.

M: After 2 minutes, ‘Lets move-on to the next task’ ‘If time allows we’ll circle back to this task’

[If user strays too far off the task]

M: I see you’ve found the [page name]. Can you please return to the [page name] and continue the

task?

Session Wrap-up:

M: I want to thank you for providing candid and valuable feedback during the session.

M: Do you have any questions for me?

M: OK...

M: Thanks again.

M: Bye