• A script, also called a discussion guide, is a list of tasks and follow-up questions a researcher presents to participants in the interview portion of a usability study.
• Using a script in your research plan gives you a clear understanding of what a user is trying to do, how they think and feel, and what their problems are.
• The tasks and follow-up questions in the script should be based on the research questions and KPIs you chose earlier in the study plan.

A well-rounded script is:

• Open-ended: Task and follow-up questions encourage discussion and reflection rather than short "yes or no" responses
• Objective: Tasks and follow-up questions don’t try to lead participants toward a particular answer or introduce the researcher’s personal bias
• Goal oriented: Tasks and follow-up questions relate directly to the research goal

A good introduction will:

1. Ask for the participant’s consent to record the interview
2. Inform the participant that the interview is not a test, and that no answer is wrong
3. Assure the participant that it’s okay to ask questions, and explain why their data is being collected
4. Ask for basic information that gives you insights into the participant’s relationship with the product and helps them settle into the interview

• In the interview, you’ll be giving tasks to your participants and recording how they respond.
• Afterward, you’ll ask the participant follow-up questions to see what their experience was like.
• You’ll write a task prompt and follow-up question for each task you want your participants to complete.