Moderating Usability Tests

92 CHAPTER 7 Interacting during post-test activities

Although it’s appropriate to ask participants to relax for a few minutes,

there is still important information to be gathered. As a moderator,

you need to maintain your roles until the participant leaves. You

might say, “Let’s relax for a minute before we talk about your reac-

tions to the product.” This statement makes it clear that the relaxation

and the talking are separate.

As the Gracious Host, you can ask participants if they want to take a

break. If you sense that participants really need a break, don’t leave

the decision in their hands. Tell them that you need a break. If you’re

sitting ...