Hallway Testing – How Sweet it is

Chocolates by Kevin Grosvenor via Flickr
Chocolates by Kevin Grosvenor via Flickr

There’s always so much to test. From business models to user experiences, getting feedback early and often leads to the best designs. When you’re onboarding a new PM, you’ll surely have something that can be tested, and hallway testing is not only a way to test cheaply but also a fantastic way to have your new PM meet the organization. Hallway testing is doing quick tests, mainly for user experience designs, with your co-workers in the hall or at their desks. I love to use it for lightweight decisions, such as button placement or text. I’ll walk around with some screens, either digitally or on paper, going up to co-workers who seem to have a moment to get their feedback.

For a new PM, this is also a perfect way to start meeting others in the organization. It’s a great excuse to go say hi and have a productive conversation. They can also learn a lot about what others do by asking them about the application they have open on their computer. The co-workers also love getting to be a part of the design process, and get a peek at upcoming product ideas.

Recently I tried a new trick to make hallway testing even sweeter – candy! I bought two bags of candy, one milk chocolate and one dark chocolate, and began each test like this:

Me: Hi, I’m William, Product Manager for Team X, and if you have 5 minutes I’d love to get your feedback on some future product designs. Can I ask you a couple questions?

Tester: Sure!

Me: Awesome! First question, do you prefer milk or dark chocolate? Why?

Tester: Milk chocolate because I hate the bitter taste…

This opening has several benefits. First, the unexpected chocolate question gets them surprised and excited, and helps transition them from whatever they had been doing to the test with an open mind. Second, it gets them talking, especially with the question of ‘why’. It warms them up to think critically and answer ‘why’ a lot. Lastly, I get to give them candy after they answer, which not only gets a smile but makes the session fun. Especially for a new PM, these hallway testers will be sure to remember the PM who came and gave them surprise candy, and gets the PM off on the right foot.