Debriefing test participants

Normally, debriefs in UX research include sessions with team members and key stakeholders. There are benefits to adding debriefs with test participants, as they often do after psychological tests. The aim is to inform participants of what was being tested and why.

In UX research, debriefing participants helps them understand your products and builds empathy. More importantly, after activities like a usability test, debriefing can serve as a mini user interview.

During user tests, we usually try to avoid influencing users. Debriefing after the test is an opportunity to provide context to your observations. For example, if you noticed that the participant didn't interact with a button, you can ask them why during the debrief.

How can you get started with debriefing participants? After the test, ask the participant if they have any questions you can answer, then briefly describe what you are working on and why. This can prompt participants to share new insights with you.^[1]