Navigation study: Session script
Primary aim here is to uncover mental models related specifically to navigation menus and to evaluate prototype. Conversation should touch on some of the points here, but the script is intended as a guide, not as a prescription. 

A. Intro (boilerplate, 2 minutes)


Hi [name]! How are you doing?

I’m [your name], I’m a design researcher at WordPress. 

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today! A few things you should know before we get started:

The session should take around an hour. I’ll start by asking you a few questions, and then I’ll ask you to share your screen while you try out a design. Please note that this is not a test! We’re trying to see how well the design works, so there aren’t any wrong answers. If you’re not sure about something or if something is confusing, please let us know, and we’ll use that feedback to improve the design.

I will be recording audio and video of this session. This recording will only be used as reference internally by my colleagues, and won’t be used publicly. If there is ever a specific thing that you do not want me to record, just let me know. You may also see a couple of my teammates joining the call—they’re here to take notes, so I don’t have to try to do that while we’re talking.

Do you have any questions for me before we get started? 

* Advise participants that recording has been activated and start the recording!

A. Icebreakers (2m)

  • Tell me a little bit about yourself.
  • How comfortable are you with technology?
  • What are some of the apps and websites you use the most?

[Listen for background, interests, hints of technology savviness, etc]

B. Labelling exercise (3m)


Okay, now I’m going to show you an image of a website, and I’d like you to tell me what the different parts are called. Remember, there aren’t any wrong answers here—we’re just curious about your vocabulary. 

[Show diagram of site: http://bit.ly/wp-diagram]

B. Website experience (5m)


  1. Do you currently have a website that you manage? (No)
  1. Have you tried making a website before? What tools have you used?
  1. Tell me about the last time you tried to make a website. How did it go?
  1. And tell me about the menu—how did you plan what you put there? How did you build it?

2. Do you currently have a website that you own or manage? (Yes)
  1. What’s the URL of your website? 
  1. Can you tell me how building it went?
  1. And tell me about the menu. How did you plan what you put there? How did you build it?

[Listen for pain points, vocabulary]

B. Prototype evaluation (20m)


Okay, now we’re going to look at our prototype. Remember, there are no wrong answers here. We’re testing the design, not you! If something doesn’t make sense, please let us know. I didn’t design this myself, so I won’t be hurt or offended by anything you say here. 

I’m going to share this prototype with you now, and you’ll share your screen as you work through it.