Testing Methods
Co-Discovery Testing
Co-Discovery Testing gives teams a repeatable qualitative research practice. It keeps everyone aligned around design & prototyping by helping you discover new ways of use and uncover usability issues. Grounded in testing methods, the method turns insight into tangible next steps.
Goal
Design & Prototyping
Group
Qualitative Research
Users
Direct User Involvement
Overview
Codiscovery Testing is a usability testing method where two participants explore and interact with a product together. By observing how they collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve, researchers gain insights into usability, learnability, and collaboration within the system. Codiscovery Testing can reveal how users naturally explain features to each other, uncovering potential areas of confusion. It's valuable in designing collaborative tools or complex systems where user interactions are multifaceted.
Step-by-Step Procedure
10 steps to complete
1
Define Objectives
Start by identifying the primary goals of your Co-Discovery Testing, including specific functionalities or aspects of the product that you want to assess. Be sure to clearly communicate these objectives to your team.
2
Select Participants
Choose a diverse group of participants who fit the target user demographics for your product. Aim for 4–6 pairs (8–12 people total), including a mix of novices and experts, or users with different background experiences.
3
Create Test Scenarios
Develop a set of realistic scenarios or tasks that individuals will need to accomplish using your product. These scenarios should cover key functionalities and user needs, aligning with your objectives. Be descriptive and detailed, providing context for the testers.
4
Introduce the Discovery Process
Explain to the participants how the Co-Discovery Testing process will work, detailing their roles, the dynamic of working in pairs, and the expected sharing of ideas and insights. Encourage them to ask questions and clarify any doubts.
5
Pair Participants
Pair participants together, considering the balance of knowledge and skills among them. Encourage productive conversation and collaboration during the testing process, ensuring that they are comfortable openly exchanging opinions and suggestions.
6
Conduct the Testing Sessions
Have participants work through your test scenarios as a pair, completing tasks while concurrently discussing their impressions, difficulties, and ideas for improvement. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feedback out loud throughout the session.
7
Observe and Record
During the testing sessions, have a moderator observe each pair of participants, noting their interactions with the product and with each other. Capture both verbal and non-verbal feedback, as well as any struggles, successes, or insights that emerge.
8
Conduct Debriefing
After the testing sessions, gather the participants to discuss their experiences and share any notable findings. This group discussion allows for additional insights and potential improvements to be identified and shared among the group.
9
Analyze Results
Review the data collected during the sessions, including observations, participant discussions, and debriefing notes. Analyze the findings to identify patterns, themes, and areas for improvement in the user experience.
10
Report Findings and Recommendations
Create a comprehensive report that outlines the key findings from the Co-Discovery Testing sessions, as well as actionable recommendations for improving the overall user experience. Share the report with your team and stakeholders for implementation of improvements and future testing.
Method Complete
Real-World Examples
See how this method is applied in practice
Understanding Deal Discovery Behavior
Research conducted with Groupon users to understand how they discover and evaluate local deals. Participants included frequent buyers in the Food & Drink and Health & Beauty categories, as well as occasional users. The study revealed that users rely heavily on personalized recommendations and location-based filtering, with visual imagery and merchant ratings being key decision factors. Users also expressed interest in occasion-based browsing like "date night deals" or "weekend activities."
Local Merchant Experience Research
Study with restaurant, spa, and fitness business owners to understand their experience with Groupon's merchant platform. Participants included both new merchants in onboarding and experienced merchants running multiple campaigns. Findings showed merchants struggled with understanding optimal pricing strategies, setting deal capacity, and interpreting performance analytics. Many requested competitive benchmarking and seasonal promotion guidance.
Deal Redemption Experience Study
Research with Groupon customers who recently redeemed deals at local businesses. The study focused on the in-person redemption experience, including showing vouchers to merchants, handling booking requirements, and resolving issues. Insights revealed that users felt anxious about merchant acceptance and wanted clearer communication about what to expect during redemption.
Deliverables
What you'll produce from this method
Test Plan
A detailed plan outlining the objectives, test scenarios, tasks, participant characteristics, test setup, and data collection methods to be used in the co-discovery testing process.
Test Script
A written guideline that includes the step-by-step tasks to be performed by the participants during the co-discovery testing session. The script helps ensure consistency across participants.
Participant Consent Forms
Signed forms that inform participants about the purpose of the study, confidentiality of their information, and their rights during the co-discovery testing session.
Data Collection Tools
Various tools used during the co-discovery testing process to capture user interactions, thoughts, and feedback, including video and audio recording devices, notepads, and questionnaires.
Data Analysis Framework
A planned approach for analyzing the collected data using qualitative and quantitative methods such as affinity diagramming, content analysis, or behavioral coding.
Findings and Recommendations Report
A comprehensive report detailing the major findings, patterns, and insights drawn from the analysis of the data collected during the co-discovery testing sessions. The report also includes actionable recommendations to address the identified UX issues and opportunities for improvement.
Test Results Presentation
A distilled visual presentation of the key findings and recommendations from the co-discovery testing report, tailored for sharing with stakeholders and project team members.
Screener Survey
A set of pre-screening questions used to identify and recruit suitable participants for the co-discovery testing sessions, ensuring that they match the target user demographic and profiles.
Participant Scheduling and Logistics Management
A process or system for scheduling and coordinating participant sessions, including details such as location, timing, incentives for participation, and communication with participants.
Participant Debrief and Thank You Cards
A brief one-page document or card expressing gratitude to the participants for their time and valuable feedback during the co-discovery testing session, often incorporating an overview of study results or next steps based on the findings.
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