Recruit at least 50 participants per user group. 100 is ideal. You’ll need more if each participant is only shown a subset of the tasks. |
If you use web ads to get participants, choose web pages (and even other websites) that target the kinds of users you’re looking for. |
Web ads should be designed to attract attention and present an at-a-glance proposition, and should link to a page that briefly explains the study and provides an obvious way to start. |
If you email invitations, be sure to qualify the recipients as well as you can, and send your invitations in batches to conserve your participant pool. |
If you use social media, consider which channels are appropriate, and keep your invitation short and punchy. |
If you use commercial research panels, choose those that adequately cover your region and the types of users you’re looking for. |
To boost numbers and reduce selection bias, use a variety of methods to recruit your participants. |
Make sure you’re getting the participants you want by filtering your customer lists and/or screening those who see your invitation. |
Recipients are more likely to participate if they receive a clear invitation from a sender they know. |
For most studies, offer an incentive. Prize draws are usually easiest. |
Next: Chapter 10 - Piloting the test