The real value of user testing is in the findings report which is developed the end of your user testing cycle to summarize key themes, memorialize insights, and outline specific actions. Here are some pointers for developing an effective findings report.
Make the report easy to consume
The report should be easy to understand and follow. The structure of the report should be intuitive and clear, so that everyone can easily access the information they need. A summary slide or page should be included at the beginning of the report to provide an overview of the most important insights and recommendations. Use an “Observation – Recommendation” format to state an observation and then the proposed solution. Follow this up with detailed slides or pages that dive deeper into the observations and recommendations. Additionally, include an appendix that provides the details of the test plan and methodology, along with any additional information or data.
Make the report visual
Visual elements help make the report engaging and easy to understand. Include screenshots with callouts to illustrate key points and use graphs to highlight quantitative data. You can even include links to video clips that demonstrate important findings.
Pick the right level of formality for the audience
When creating a report, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. If you’re presenting the findings to an agile development team, a simple bulleted list or spreadsheet may be sufficient. For larger audiences or more formal presentations, it may be necessary to add more detail and structure.
Pick the right format for your organization and audience
Choose a format that works for your organization and audience. PowerPoint presentations are commonly used for user testing findings reports, but you may need to supplement the report with a more detailed word document or other formats depending on the needs of your stakeholders.
Publish your findings
Make the final report available to everyone who needs it, including stakeholders, project managers, and team members. By sharing your findings, you enable others to learn from your work and use the insights to inform their own efforts in the future.
Include supporting data
Supporting data helps to validate your findings and provide additional context. A dashboard or report that highlights quantitative data can be included in the findings report, along with links to any raw data that supports the report.