Think-aloud protocol

For this variant of the usability test, participants are asked to speak whatever words come into mind as they complete their tasks. They should put minimal effort into verbalizing their thoughts.

Uses

• Helps identify the participant's locus of attention
• Indicates when the participant is frustrated

Challenges

• Requires practice
• Distracting, especially when participants put too much effort into verbalizing thoughts

Issues for discussion

• Solutions to challenges
• When think-aloud protocol should be used

Example

Here's an example of a script I used that instructed my participants to think aloud as they did a task.