What are lead-in questions used for in usability testing?

Lead-in questions are essential in usability testing as they serve to warm up participants before engaging them with specific tasks. This approach helps to establish a comfortable environment, allowing participants to mentally prepare and feel at ease. By initiating dialogue with lighter or more general questions related to their experiences or familiarity with the product, researchers can alleviate tension and foster a positive atmosphere.

This warming up phase is crucial as it encourages participants to express their thoughts freely and leads to a more insightful and productive session. Moreover, it helps the facilitator gauge the participant's initial reactions and sets the stage for deeper, more focused exploration of tasks without abrupt transitions.

In contrast, asking for demographic information is distinct from the primary aim of lead-in questions. Concluding testing sessions with feedback typically involves more structured questions aimed at gathering insights about the entire experience rather than warming up. Documenting user errors during tasks relies on observation and note-taking, which is a different focus from the intent behind initiating conversations with lead-in questions.