In the lead-up to the Christmas break our workload is ramping up as everyone aims to get their usability testing done either before the festive bank holidays, or planned in for when we all return to work. It is essential to remember during this period that participants are doing just the same; their workload is likely to be busy, as most people have some time off work due. This means recruiting available participants in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year can be very challenging.

People are also busy with Christmas shopping, or going to parties, or making the most of the bank holidays to go either just chill out, or visit family and friends.

Here are some tips for anyone looking to recruit participants in the coming weeks, to ensure that you have the best chance of testing your product or service with the most suitable participants.

🎁 He’s making a list

Generally speaking the week of Christmas is a no go. The same goes for the week between Christmas and New Year. We have found in past years that people stop answering their phones and don’t return calls after the 23^rd December.

So take note, and make sure you steer clear of these dates.

🎁 He’s checking it twice

If it is essential to your project deadlines to conduct some testing or research before Christmas, then take a look at the calendar and check your dates aren’t too close to the period mentioned above.

The best week would be week commencing Monday 14^th December, ideally the early part of that week.

🎁 He’s going to find out who’s been naughty and nice

If you choose to plan testing or research for the week commencing Monday 21^st December, then be aware that you may be restricted by the types of people willing to give up their valuable time in that week.

Plus there is a greater chance of people dropping out on the day. They may remember that they need to do some last minute shopping, or may be hungover after some festive drinks the previous night.

Although there are some people who will be happy to get a little extra cash just before Christmas, be prepared. Consider ‘over recruiting’ by 10 percent if it is essential you have a certain quota of participants.

🎁 Santa Claus is coming to town

After Christmas day has happened, celebrations tend to continue up until New Year’s Eve: and this year New Year’s Day falls on a Friday. Plus, many people have the entire week between Christmas and New Year off work. So, in a way, it is like Santa Claus stays in town for a week.

When planning your usability testing or market research for the New Year, we recommend waiting until at least the end of the week commencing Monday 4^th January.

The main reason for this is it’s likely that you or your participant recruitment partner will need to recruit the participants prior to Christmas.  And there is a chance that their plans may change during the week between Christmas Day and New Year.

Conducting your testing during the latter part of the week will give you the start of the week to replace anyone who can no longer make their appointment.

People for Research recommend calling those people that are booked in prior to Christmas, at the start of the next working week, to remind them about the appointment.

If you need participants to take part in research or usability testing, and want support or advice on how to plan this around the upcoming holidays, please get in touch with People for Research.

If you would like to find out more about our in-house participant recruitment service for user testing or market research get in touch on 0117 921 0008 or info@peopleforresearch.co.uk.

At People for Research, we recruit participants for UX and usability testing and market research. We work with award winning UX agencies across the UK and partner up with a number of end clients who are leading the way with in-house user experience and insight.