Live site testing lets you see exactly how users interact with your websites or web apps, so you can uncover friction points and continuously optimize your experiences.
To get started with live site testing or AI prototype testing, use Optimal’s Usability Testing tool. It supports testing a single live site or AI prototype, multiple live sites or AI prototypes, or combining live site testing and/or AI prototype testing with Figma prototype tests and surveys in one flexible, multi-method study.
In Optimal's Usability Testing tool, live site testing and AI prototype testing will follow the same setup flow.
1. Add a study section
In Optimal's Usability Testing tool, start by adding a new study section and select live Site or Vibe-coded prototype as the section type.
2. Set up your section
Add a section title for your internal reference.
You can also choose to randomize this section, which will shuffle it with other sections in your study or randomize tasks within this section.
3. Add tasks
Click on Vibe-coded task to write your task instructions. Learn more about writing effective tasks for live site testing.
4. Add a link
You can add any URL. You can choose to test any live website or web app, whether it be in production, staging, a competitor’s website, or a prototype created with AI.
You will see a preview of website or web app you've selected. If you wish to change the preview, click on the edit icon to upload your own image. The image will be displayed in a 16:9 ratio.
Reordering tasks
To reorder tasks, hover over the task icon, then click and drag and drop to reorder.
Deleting & duplicating tasks
Use the three dots (⋮) in the top right of any selected task to duplicate or delete it. You can duplicate both live site and prototype tasks and their post-task questions to save time.
Working with multiple AI prototypes and/or live sites
If you want to test multiple AI prototypes or live sites, add a separate task for each site. Tasks within the same section will appear one after another.
If you’re combining different study methods in a single study (e.g. prototype testing, live site testing, and surveys), you can add also choose to add new sections for each live site test. This lets you reorder sections to structure the flow as needed.
Best practices
Keep the full study in mind: While you can add unlimited sections and tasks, longer studies can lead to participant fatigue.
Prioritize key tasks: Focus on the most important flows or questions you need answered.