How to Conduct Usability Testing for Startups

Introduction

Usability testing is one of the most cost-effective ways for startups to avoid product failure in terms of UX Design.

It helps you uncover:

• Where users get confused
• What features are hard to use
• Whether your design solves the right problem

This guide walks you through how to plan, run, and analyze usability tests, even with limited resources.

What is Usability Testing?

Usability testing is a method where real users interact with your product while completing tasks - so you can evaluate how easy and intuitive it is to use.

It's not about asking what users think, it’s about observing what they do.

Why Startups Need Usability Testing

• Reduces development waste by validating ideas early
• Improves product-market fit
• Surfaces critical UX and UI issues before launch
• Builds empathy with users

And you don’t need a big lab or budget - many startups test remotely using prototypes.

Types of Usability Testing

1. Moderated Testing

• A facilitator guides the user through tasks via Zoom or in-person
• Great for in-depth feedback

2. Unmoderated Testing

• User completes tasks independently
• Uses platforms like Maze or UserTesting
• Scalable and affordable

3. Guerrilla Testing

• Quick testing with random users (e.g. at a café or co-working space)
• Ideal for early MVPs or concepts
  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Run a Usability Test

Step 1: Define Your Goal

What do you want to learn?
Examples:

• Can users complete the sign-up process?
• Do users understand what the product does?

Step 2: Choose the Right Prototype

You can test:

• Paper sketches
• Figma prototypes
• Live staging builds

Low fidelity is fine - just make sure users can interact with the flows you’re testing.

Step 3: Write Clear Tasks

Tasks should be:

• Goal-oriented: “Schedule a meeting with a client”
• Realistic: Reflect everyday use cases
• Actionable: Avoid leading or yes/no questions

Step 4: Recruit Participants

Tips for startups:

• Start with 5 users (Jakob Nielsen’s rule)
• Use your target customer segment
• Offer small incentives (gift cards, discounts)

Step 5: Conduct the Session

• Use screen recording tools (e.g. Lookback, Zoom)
• Stay quiet; let users think aloud
• Take notes on hesitations, errors, and questions

Step 6: Analyze Results

Look for:

• Repeated problems across users
• Drop-off points
• Misunderstood labels or flows

Cluster issues by priority (critical, major, minor) and document recommendations.

Step 7: Iterate and Retest

Fix the top issues and re-test. Iteration is key - one round is never enough.

Recommended Tools for Startups

Explore our article on Top UX Tools used by Startups in 2025.

Example: MVP Signup Test

For one of our early-stage SaaS clients, we tested a Figma prototype of their sign-up process using Maze.

Findings:

• Users missed a key CTA button (low contrast)
• Dropdown fields confused 3 out of 5 testers

Fixing these issues increased conversion by 27% post-launch.

Best Practices

• Start small: 5–7 users per test cycle
• Observe, don’t explain
• Use your own product before testing
• Always record sessions (with permission)
• Track changes between test rounds

Explore our UX Engineering Services.