Well-crafted scenarios allow users to immerse themselves in the task without feeling led or confused. The goal is to create scenarios that are concise, neutral, and directly relevant to the product being tested, ensuring that users stay focused on the experience rather than the narrative.
Effective scenarios help ensure that participants engage with products naturally, minimising bias, and producing more accurate feedback.
In this article, we will explore best practices for writing scenarios so that you can obtain meaningful insights from your user testing ventures.
Advice on Writing Task Scenarios
Avoid Cultural or Ethnic Specificity
Scenarios should be universally relatable and inclusive, avoiding references that might alienate users from different backgrounds.
Before: You’re looking to buy a Christmas present for your friend.
After: You’re looking to buy a present for your friend.
Avoid Potentially Sensitive Topics
Be mindful of topics that could be distressing or emotionally charged, such as family issues, health, or politics.
Before: You need to buy a ticket to visit your grandmother.
After: You need to buy a ticket for your upcoming holiday.
Tailor the Scenario to the Product or Service Being Tested
Scenarios should be relevant to the platform or service being studied, helping participants connect naturally with the task.
Before: You’re interested in booking a trip for the weekend.
After: You’re interested in booking a hotel room for the weekend using a travel app.
Keep the Scenario Concise
Clear, brief scenarios prevent confusion and allow users to focus on the task.
Before: Since your old car broke down two weeks ago, you’ve decided to buy a new one online. After considering a red Sedan but finding it too expensive, you’re thinking of buying another model...
After: You are interested in purchasing a new car online.
Use Neutral Language
Avoid using overly descriptive or promotional language, which can introduce bias or confuse the participant.
Before: You’re browsing the luxurious Tiffany & Co. website to find a stunning necklace.
After: You’re browsing the Tiffany & Co. website to find a necklace.
By following best practices for writing task scenarios—keeping them neutral, concise, and product-specific—you create a testing environment that feels natural to users. This helps participants engage more authentically with the product, leading to insights that reflect real-world interactions and behaviours.