A mission is a task your testers will have to complete. To create a mission, you have to define the task, a description, and the expected path(s) inside a prototype.
- The task defines the user goal
- The description gives a general instruction
- The expected path is the path you want users to take. It will serve as the benchmark against which success is measured. You can add as many paths as needed.
To get the most accurate results, there are certain best practices to follow when creating missions. Here are three tips for writing tasks:
1. Write clearly
The task is the first thing that testers will read when they begin a mission. You should use language that is clear and easy to understand
Keep in mind your testers when writing tasks: who they are and how familiar they are with your product. Unless you're testing your UI copy, avoid your internal company language or slang.
Example:
The first example would be unclear for people who are not familiar with Maze.
2. Keep 'em short
Tasks should be kept as concise as possible. Anything that is a detail should be included in the description instead.
Examples:
Locate the place on the map
Change the password
Filter the list selection
Create a profile
3. Define an action
The task should define the mission goal. Because a mission is an exercise that needs to be completed, the task usually describes an action to be taken by testers. Use verbs to give instructions.
Examples of action verbs:
Complete
Write
Create
Go to
Subscribe
Add
Filter