> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/usability-tests/create-a-usability-test.md).

# Create a usability test

Once you’ve created a Dscout project, you can create a new usability test. You can either create a new usability test from scratch or duplicate an existing usability test and modify it.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** Dscout AI can help you draft an entire usability test, even if all you have is a website or prototype to test. Go from idea to insights—fast. For more information, see [Draft a study with Dscout AI](/dscout-ai/dscout-ai-studio/draft-a-study-with-dscout-ai.md).
{% endhint %}

### Create a new usability test <a href="#h_01k8b935khdew1jyvk7qrncrzj" id="h_01k8b935khdew1jyvk7qrncrzj"></a>

If you want to create a new usability test from scratch—or if you’re building one for the first time—you’ll do so from within your Dscout project.

**To create a new usability test:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click **Create mission** in the top-right corner of your project. The Create something new modal is displayed.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/h5jpgixuynStu9RkR0L9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Under **Usability test**, click **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/ralRskzRwJBf9S9qgsZX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select a **recruitment approach**. Then, click **Continue**. For more information, see [Recruitment options in a usability test](/usability-tests/what-are-usability-tests-in-dscout/recruitment-options-in-a-usability-test.md).

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/BZHyxEBnwyqcY04seiJ0" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If auto-recruiting, select a **target country**. Then, click **Continue**.

<div align="left"><img src="https://help.dscout.com/hc/article_attachments/42573606147604" alt="" height="254" width="502"></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select a **device type**. Then, click **Continue**. For more information, see [Device and recording options in a usability test](/usability-tests/what-are-usability-tests-in-dscout/device-and-recording-options-in-a-usability-test.md).

<div align="left"><img src="https://help.dscout.com/hc/article_attachments/42573633269780" alt="" height="246" width="510"></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select a **recording option**. Then, click **Continue**. For more information, see [Device and recording options in a usability test](/usability-tests/what-are-usability-tests-in-dscout/device-and-recording-options-in-a-usability-test.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter a **mission title**. Then, click **Create mission**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** This title will be visible to participants, so choose one that is representative of the mission but doesn’t give away your research objectives. To add a private title, click **Add an internal mission name**.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, your new mission opens in the builder. Here, you can customize its settings on the **Overview** tab, add screener questions on the **Screener** tab (if auto-recruiting), and add mission questions on the **Usability test** tab. If you need help building, here are a few resources to get you started:

* [Manage appearance of a usability test](/usability-tests/create-a-usability-test/manage-appearance-of-a-usability-test.md).
* [Manage participant limit and incentives in a usability test](/usability-tests/create-a-usability-test/manage-participant-limit-and-incentive-in-a-usability-test.md).
* [Add questions to a usability test](/usability-tests/create-a-usability-test/add-questions-to-a-usability-test.md).

### Duplicate a usability test <a href="#h_01k8b935kvjj7ggkk55sxnj3vz" id="h_01k8b935kvjj7ggkk55sxnj3vz"></a>

If you have an existing usability test you want to use as a starting point for a new mission, you can duplicate it. There are two ways to duplicate a mission: either by first locating the mission itself or by searching for it from the **Create something new** modal.

**To duplicate a usability test within a project:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Find the mission you want to duplicate. Click the **Options** icon in the top-right corner of the mission tile.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Duplicate**.

<div align="left"><img src="https://help.dscout.com/hc/article_attachments/42573633271316" alt="" height="309" width="624"></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select one of the following options:

* **Duplicate and modify mission setup:** Copies the mission’s questions but allows you to modify recruitment approach, device type, and recording options.
* **Duplicate:** Copies the mission exactly as-is, including recruitment approach, device type, and recording option.

<div align="left"><img src="https://help.dscout.com/hc/article_attachments/42573633272212" alt="" height="173" width="488"></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If modifying mission setup, refer to the steps above.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

**To duplicate a usability test from the Create something new modal:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click **Create mission** in the top-right corner of your project. The Create something new modal is displayed.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/zp0YohA7cdy57SovYN6e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Under **Usability test**, click **Create**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/OaGCIvBPpebXJfkUSNOw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Duplicate an existing mission**. A list of missions across your Dscout projects is displayed.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/ZuNoP9omW5hUJsYNbVp4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Search for the usability test you want to duplicate and select it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select one of the following options:

* **Duplicate and modify mission setup:** Copies the mission’s questions but allows you to modify recruitment approach, device type, and recording options.
* **Duplicate:** Copies the mission exactly as-is, including recruitment approach, device type, and recording option.

<div align="left"><img src="https://help.dscout.com/hc/article_attachments/42573606156948" alt="" height="336" width="446"></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
If modifying mission setup, refer to the steps above.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, your mission has been duplicated. You can give it a new name in the top-left corner, adjust your questions on the **Screener** or **Usability test** tabs, or launch it to start gathering insights.


---

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