Reference table
Usability test types: when to use each
A comparison of moderated, unmoderated, remote and in-person usability testing, with the situation each suits and what you give up. It is for product teams and UX researchers planning a usability study. Decide on moderation first, then on location, from your research questions, timeline and budget. Koji can run AI-moderated sessions remotely.
Where this appears
What's in this reference table
| Test type | Best scenario | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Moderated | Complex tasks, early prototypes | Expensive, scheduling friction |
| Unmoderated | Fast validation, large participant pools | Less depth, cannot probe |
| Remote | Dispersed users, digital products | Loses body language |
| In-person | Physical products, high-fidelity observation | Most expensive |
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<a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/usability-test-types-best-use-and-trade-offs"><img src="https://www.koji.so/visuals/usability-test-types-best-use-and-trade-offs/usability-test-types-best-use-and-trade-offs.png" alt="Table of four usability test types, moderated, unmoderated, remote and in-person, with the best scenario and main trade-off for each." width="1200" height="630" /></a>
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/usability-test-types-best-use-and-trade-offs">Usability test types: when to use each</a>, Koji</p>
