First click tests show participants an image and ask them to click where they would go to complete a specific task. Research shows that if users get their first click right, they are much more likely to complete the full task successfully. The test ends after the participant’s first click.
When to use a first click test
Evaluating whether your navigation is clear and intuitive.
Testing if calls to action are visible and easy to find.
Checking whether participants can locate key information on a page.
Comparing the effectiveness of different layout options.
Adding a first click test to your study
Open your study and go to the Build tab.
Click Add step.
Select First click.
Type your task prompt. Be specific about what you want participants to do.
Upload the image or screenshot you want to test.
How it works for participants
Participants are asked to take their time to review the image and instructions before clicking. The test ends after their first click. Ballpark records exactly where they clicked, and you can view the results as a heatmap.
Additional options
Click Options on the step to access this setting:
Make required: Participants must complete this step before continuing.
Tips for getting good results
Write task prompts as scenarios, not instructions. “You want to subscribe to the newsletter” is better than “Find the newsletter signup button.”
Use a full-page screenshot or realistic mockup so participants have enough context.
Avoid giving away the answer in your prompt. Do not mention specific labels or button names.
Next steps
You can combine first click tests with 5-second tests to understand both what people notice and where they click. To see click data and heatmaps, head to view and navigate results.