5-second tests show participants an image for a short time, then ask them what they noticed or understood. They are one of the fastest ways to check whether a design gets its message across at a glance.
The concept plays off the notion that you only have a short window to capture someone’s attention. If users cannot quickly identify key elements or understand the purpose of a page, the design likely needs refinement.
When to use a 5-second test
Testing whether a landing page communicates its purpose clearly.
Checking if a headline, call to action, or value proposition stands out.
Assessing whether a logo or brand element is recognisable.
Evaluating how scannable your content is.
Adding a 5-second test to your study
Open your study and go to the Build tab.
Click Add step.
Select 5-second test.
Type your question and add a description if needed.
Click on the right-hand side to upload your design, or drag one in.
You can then use follow-up survey questions to ask what participants noticed or understood.
How it works for participants
Participants are asked to click Reveal image when they are ready. The image is then displayed for the set amount of time before being hidden, and participants answer your follow-up question.
Additional options
Click Options on the step to access these settings:
Make required: Participants must complete this step before continuing.
Set timer: Choose how long to display your image, up to 20 seconds.
Tips for getting good results
Use a realistic screenshot or mockup rather than a wireframe. Placeholder content can confuse participants.
Keep follow-up questions open-ended. “What do you remember seeing?” or “What do you think this page is about?” tend to surface more useful insights than yes/no questions.
If you are comparing design variations, consider running a separate test for each so responses are not influenced by the other designs.
Next steps
Once responses start coming in, head to view and navigate results to see what participants remembered. You can also combine 5-second tests with other step types like first click tests or multiple-choice questions to build a more complete study.