> 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/what-are-usability-tests-in-dscout.md).

# What are usability tests in Dscout?

Usability testing is the fastest way to get feedback on a website, prototype, or design. This mission type lets you ask participants to perform tasks that reflect their goals—for example, purchasing an item on your e-commerce website—and measures whether they can complete the task, how long it takes, and more. Wondering if your product is working as intended? Want to know where your users are getting stuck? Try a usability test.

In Dscout, some key usability test features include:

* **Continuous recording:** Record participants’ screens and/or cameras to get the full picture of their experience. 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).
* **Task-based prompts and metrics:** Direct participants to prototypes on platforms such as Figma, capturing success rates, time on task, and more. For more information, see [Add a Figma prototype to a study](/study-basics/testing-prototypes/add-a-figma-prototype-to-a-study.md).
* **Privacy options:** Guard your participants’ personal information so you can collect the data you need without compromising security. For more information, see [Privacy blur](/usability-tests/create-a-usability-test/privacy-blur.md).

### Recruitment options

To find participants for a usability test, you can:

* Add participants from an existing Dscout screener.
* Auto-recruit from Dscout’s Scout Panel.
* Auto-recruit from Dscout's Partner Panels.
* Invite your own participants.
* Add participants from Private Panels.

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).

### Usability tests vs. media surveys

Usability tests are ideal when you want to:

* Determine whether early concepts or prototypes are usable and identify the direction you should pursue.
* Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of a website or app by identifying friction points through task completion and click‑mapping events.
* Validate a product pre‑launch by measuring task success and reviewing a full session recording.
* Reduce friction or discover new use cases by watching real users perform critical tasks.

However, you might be wondering whether to use a usability test or media survey. To help, here’s a comparison of each study type to help you choose:

| Capability                      | Usability test            | Media survey                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Participant limit**           | 100 participants          | 1,000 participants                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| **Recommended incentive range** | $1–200                    | $1–100                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| **Media capture**               | Continuous recording      | <p>Individual photo, video, and screen-recording question types</p><div data-gb-custom-block data-tag="hint" data-style="info" class="hint hint-info"><p><strong>Note:</strong> Media surveys are limited to a maximum of three video questions (including screen recording questions).</p></div> |
| **Heat maps and click data**    | Yes (on Figma prototypes) | No                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |

For more information on media surveys, see [What are media surveys in Dscout?](/media-surveys/what-are-media-surveys-in-dscout.md) Or if neither of these seem to be the right fit, read more about our other study types in [Dscout quickstart guide](/getting-started/dscout-quickstart-guide.md).


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