Inclusive Usability Testing for Neurodivergent Participants
Compare gamified surveys and the System Usability Scale (SUS) to see which usability testing method better predicts task success. Learn how to use ux research, user insights, and usability testing tools effectively.
Gamified Surveys vs Classic SUS: Which Predicts Task Success?
This is a hot topic in ux research world--will traditional measures like the System Usability Scale (SUS) continue to show that users are satisfied with their experience, or should we be using new gamified surveys, which might more accurately predict task success? One is old-style, the other new–the two modern usability testing methods can provide different results.
By putting these user experience research tools into practice head-to-head, we can determine which gives better in-depth user insights, more robust usability test examples, and actual actionable feedback rather than just numbers on a page to improve product design.
Classic SUS in Usability Testing
For decades, the System Usability Scale (SUS) has been a standard against which to judge other metrics. It is simple, fast, and widely recognized in usability testing checklists.
Uses a 10-question Likert scale format
Generates a standardized usability score
Works across a wide variety of website usability testing and user experience testing contexts
However, SUS can sometimes lack nuance. While it measures perceived usability, it doesn’t always correlate strongly with actual user behavior analysis or task success in real-world conditions.
Gamified Surveys as an Alternative
Gamified surveys aim to make remote usability testing and lab studies more engaging. Instead of static forms, participants complete tasks framed as levels, challenges, or achievements.
Benefits include:
Higher completion rates due to engaging design
Richer website feedback through interactive elements
Better alignment with usability testing methods that prioritize motivation and immersion
Gamified approaches can also integrate with user testing tools to log task performance data alongside survey responses. This hybrid method captures both perception and behavior.
Comparing Predictive Power
Criteria | Classic SUS | Gamified Surveys |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Deployment | Simple, quick, widely recognized | Requires design effort and customization |
User Engagement | Low to moderate | High engagement through interaction |
Correlation with Behavior | Moderate link to task success | Stronger correlation when paired with user behavior analysis |
Best Use Case | Benchmarking usability across products | Measuring task success and motivation in interactive environments |
This comparison shows that while SUS is excellent for benchmarking, gamified surveys provide richer user insights and closer ties to actual task success outcomes.
Choosing the Right Method
The choice between gamified surveys and classic SUS depends on your testing goals:
For usability testing examples that require standardized benchmarks → use SUS
For deeper user insights tied to behavior and engagement → adopt gamified surveys
For mixed methods research → combine SUS scoring with gamified formats for the best of both worlds
Integrating both methods into a usability testing checklist ensures that teams capture both perception and performance, balancing usability vs accessibility concerns.
Conclusion
Gamified surveys and SUS each serve distinct purposes in usability testing. SUS remains a reliable benchmark tool, while gamified surveys excel in predicting task success by boosting engagement and tying directly into user behavior analysis.
Perhaps the best approach is a hybrid one that relies upon standardized measures for consistency yet uses gamification to uncover deeper user insights.
To product teams, adopting both approaches enriches their ux research, validates their usability testing methods, and assures that their products not only show signs of being usable but also really do result in success.
