6 User Interview Prompts to Get Honest Beta Feedback

Introduction

Beta testing is like trying on shoes before buying them—you need to walk around, feel the fit, and see if they pinch. But here’s the problem: most teams ask the wrong questions. They lead users down a path, getting answers they want to hear instead of the truth. That’s why so many products fail after launch. The feedback was there… but no one asked the right way.

User interviews are your secret weapon. They turn vague complaints (“This feels off”) into actionable insights (“The checkout button is too small on mobile”). But here’s the catch: the way you ask questions changes everything. Leading questions—like “Don’t you love this new feature?”—push users toward a yes. Open-ended prompts—like “Tell me about the last time you used this”—unlock real stories. Which one would you rather build your product on?

Why Most User Interviews Fail

Most teams make the same mistakes:

Asking yes/no questions (“Is this easy to use?”) when they need details (“Walk me through how you’d use this”).
Talking more than listening—interrupting users to “explain” the product instead of letting them struggle (and reveal pain points).
Ignoring body language—a hesitant “Yeah, it’s fine” often means “This is confusing, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”
Testing too late—waiting until the product is “done” instead of checking in early with prototypes.

The worst mistake? Confirmation bias. Teams hear what they want to hear and ignore the rest. That’s how you end up with a feature no one uses—because the only people who liked it were the ones who built it.

6 Prompts That Get Real Answers

The good news? You don’t need a psychology degree to run great interviews. You just need the right prompts. Here’s what we’ll cover:

“Tell me about the last time you [did X].” Purpose: Uncovers real-world behavior, not hypotheticals. (Example: “Tell me about the last time you booked a hotel online.”)
“What was frustrating about that?” Purpose: Dig into pain points without leading the user. (Works best after they describe a process.)
“Show me how you’d do [task].” Purpose: Reveals gaps between what users say they do and what they actually do. (Watch for workarounds!)
“What would make this easier?” Purpose: Lets users design solutions—often simpler than what you’d build.
“What’s one thing you’d change?” Purpose: Forces prioritization. (Bonus: Follow up with “Why?” to uncover deeper needs.)
“How does this compare to [alternative]?” Purpose: Highlights competitive strengths and weaknesses. (Example: “How does this checkout process compare to Amazon’s?”)

These prompts work at every stage of beta testing—from early prototypes to near-final products. The key? Listen more than you talk. Your users will tell you exactly what’s wrong… if you let them.

Ready to stop guessing and start building something people actually want? Let’s dive in.

Understanding User Context: “Walk Me Through Your Typical Workflow”

You’ve built a product you’re proud of. It solves a problem, it’s sleek, and it should make users’ lives easier. But here’s the hard truth: if you don’t understand how people actually work, your product might miss the mark. That’s where the simple question—“Walk me through your typical workflow”—comes in. It’s not just small talk. It’s your secret weapon for uncovering real pain points, hidden inefficiencies, and opportunities to make your product indispensable.

Why Context Is Everything in Beta Testing

Most beta testers won’t tell you outright what’s wrong with your product. They’ll nod, say it’s “fine,” and move on. But when you ask them to describe their day-to-day process, something magical happens. They start sharing details they didn’t even realize were important—like the three extra steps they take to work around a clunky tool, or the spreadsheet they’ve jury-rigged because no software does exactly what they need.

This is where the gold is. Users don’t think in features; they think in tasks. If your product doesn’t fit seamlessly into their existing workflow, they’ll either ignore it or force it to work in ways you never intended. And that’s how you end up with a product that’s “nice to have” instead of “can’t live without.”

Assumed vs. Actual Behavior: The Reality Gap

Here’s a scenario that plays out in almost every product team: You assume users follow a logical, step-by-step process. In reality? They’ve cobbled together a Frankenstein workflow using half a dozen tools, sticky notes, and sheer willpower. For example:

A project manager might use Trello for tasks, Slack for updates, and Google Sheets for reporting—because no single tool does it all.
A freelancer might track time in one app, invoices in another, and client feedback in their email inbox.
A sales team might rely on CRM software for leads but switch to spreadsheets for forecasting because the CRM’s reporting is too rigid.

When users describe their workflow, listen for these disconnects. Where are they switching between tools? Where are they manually copying and pasting data? These are the cracks where your product can slip in and make their lives easier.

How to Ask the Question (Without Leading the User)

The key to getting useful answers is phrasing the question in a way that doesn’t box the user in. Avoid questions like:

“Do you use [Tool X] for this step?” (This assumes they use that tool at all.)
“Isn’t it frustrating when [specific problem] happens?” (This puts words in their mouth.)

Instead, try:

“Walk me through how you [task] from start to finish. What tools do you use?”
“What does a typical day look like when you’re working on [task]?”
“Show me how you’d handle [specific scenario].”

The goal is to let them describe their process in their own words. If they gloss over details, gently nudge them with follow-ups like:

“What happens after you [step]?”
“How do you decide when to move to the next step?”
“What’s the most time-consuming part of this process?”

What to Listen For (And What It Really Means)

When users describe their workflow, they’ll often reveal frustrations without realizing it. Here’s what to pay attention to:

1. Workarounds and Hacks

“I export the data to Excel because the reporting tool doesn’t let me filter by date.” → Opportunity: Your product could offer better filtering or customizable reports.
“I have to manually update this spreadsheet every Monday because the system doesn’t sync automatically.” → Opportunity: Automation or integrations could save them hours.

2. Repetitive or Manual Tasks

“I copy and paste these numbers into three different places.” → Opportunity: A single source of truth or bulk actions could eliminate this.
“I have to log in to four different tools to get the full picture.” → Opportunity: Consolidate data or offer a dashboard view.

3. Emotional Cues

“This part is always a nightmare.” → Pain point: They’re desperate for a solution here.
“I just deal with it because there’s no better way.” → Opportunity: Your product could be the “better way” they’ve been waiting for.

4. Tools They Love (or Hate)

“I use [Tool Y] for this because it’s the only one that does [feature].” → Insight: That feature is non-negotiable for them.
“I tried [Tool Z], but it was too complicated.” → Insight: Simplicity and ease of use matter more than you think.

Digging Deeper: Follow-Up Questions That Uncover Hidden Needs

Once a user describes their workflow, don’t stop there. Probe for the why behind their actions. Some of the most valuable insights come from questions like:

“What’s the most frustrating part of this process?”
“If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing, what would it be?”
“How do you handle it when [edge case] happens?”
“What do you wish this tool could do that it doesn’t?”

For example, if a user says, “I have to manually check for updates every morning,” follow up with:

“How often does that take longer than you expect?”
“What happens if you miss an update?”
“How would your day change if you didn’t have to do that?”

These questions help you uncover not just what users do, but how they feel about it—and that’s where the real opportunities lie.

Putting It All Together: A Real-World Example

Let’s say you’re building a tool for freelance designers. You ask a beta tester, “Walk me through how you manage client feedback.” Here’s how the conversation might go:

User: “Well, first I send the design to the client via email. Then they usually reply with comments, but sometimes they send a screenshot with notes, or they’ll Slack me a voice message. So I have to consolidate all that feedback into one place—usually a Google Doc—before I can start making changes.”

You: “What’s the most frustrating part of that process?” User: “Definitely when clients send feedback in different formats. I waste so much time copying and pasting or trying to remember what they said in a voice note. And if I miss something, I have to go back and ask them to resend it.”

You: “What happens if you miss something?” User: “Ugh, it’s the worst. The client gets annoyed, and I look unprofessional. Sometimes I even have to redo work because I didn’t catch a comment the first time.”

Insights for Your Product:

Users need a centralized place to collect feedback (no more juggling email, Slack, and screenshots).
Voice notes and images are common, so your tool should support multiple feedback formats.
Missing feedback is a major pain point—could your product highlight unaddressed comments?

The Big Takeaway: Workflows Reveal the Truth

Your product doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger ecosystem of tools, habits, and frustrations. When you ask users to walk you through their workflow, you’re not just gathering data—you’re getting a backstage pass to their real-world challenges.

The best products don’t just solve problems; they fit into how people already work. So the next time you’re in a user interview, start with this simple question. Listen closely. And pay attention to the gaps—they’re where your product’s next big feature is hiding.

Uncovering Pain Points: “What’s the Most Frustrating Part of [Task]?”

Frustration is like a bright red flag waving in your user’s face. When someone gets annoyed, they remember it—sometimes for years. Think about the last time a website made you click through five pages just to find a phone number. Or when an app froze right before you hit “submit.” You probably still grumble about it, right?

That’s the power of frustration. It sticks. And that’s exactly why asking users about their pain points is one of the smartest things you can do during beta testing. Their answers won’t just tell you what’s broken—they’ll show you where to focus your energy for the biggest impact.

Why Frustration Matters More Than Praise

Here’s the thing: people don’t remember the smooth parts of their experience. They remember the moments that made them want to throw their laptop out the window. Psychologists call this the “negativity bias”—our brains are wired to pay more attention to bad experiences than good ones.

For product teams, this is actually great news. If you can find and fix the things that frustrate users, you’re not just improving your product—you’re making it memorable in the right way. A user who was once annoyed but now has a seamless experience? They’ll tell their friends. They’ll stick around longer. And they’ll be far less likely to churn.

How to Ask Without Leading the Answer

The key to uncovering real pain points is asking the right way. You don’t want to put words in your user’s mouth. For example, don’t ask: “Is the checkout process too complicated?” That’s like asking, “Do you agree that this is terrible?” Most people will just say yes to be polite.

Instead, keep it open-ended:

“What’s the most frustrating part of [task]?”
“Where do you usually get stuck?”
“What makes you want to give up?”

These questions let users describe their experience in their own words. And that’s where the gold is. You might hear things you never expected—like a user struggling with a feature you thought was intuitive, or a small friction point that’s actually a major blocker.

Turning Frustrations Into Actionable Insights

Not all pain points are created equal. Some are minor annoyances (like a button that’s slightly too small). Others are deal-breakers (like a payment system that keeps failing). Your job is to figure out which is which.

Here’s how to prioritize:

Frequency: How many users mention the same issue?
Severity: Does it stop them from completing the task?
Emotion: How strongly do they react? (A sigh is one thing; a rant is another.)

For example, let’s say you’re testing a project management tool. If 80% of users say, “I hate how I have to manually update the status of every task,” that’s a clear signal to automate it. But if only one user complains about the color of the dashboard, that’s probably not worth fixing right away.

Case Study: How Fixing Frustrations Saved a SaaS Company

A few years ago, a small SaaS company noticed their churn rate was creeping up. They dug into user feedback and found a common theme: users were frustrated with the onboarding process. It took too many steps, and the instructions were unclear.

Instead of guessing what to fix, they asked users: “What’s the most frustrating part of getting started with our tool?” The answers were eye-opening. Users didn’t just want fewer steps—they wanted a guided tour that showed them exactly what to do first.

The company revamped their onboarding with a simple, step-by-step walkthrough. Within three months, their churn rate dropped by 30%. And the best part? Users started leaving positive reviews about how easy it was to get started.

The Bottom Line: Listen for the Pain

Frustration is a gift. It tells you exactly where your product is falling short—and where you can make the biggest difference. The next time you’re running user interviews, don’t just ask what people like. Ask what drives them crazy.

Because when you fix what’s broken, you don’t just improve your product. You turn frustrated users into loyal fans. And that’s how you build something people can’t live without.

Evaluating First Impressions: “Describe Your First Experience with [Product] in 3 Words”

First impressions matter more than we think. When someone tries your product for the first time, their initial reaction can decide if they’ll keep using it or delete it forever. That’s why beta testing is so important—it gives you a chance to see how real users feel before you launch to the world. But how do you get honest, useful feedback about those first few moments? Simple: ask them to describe it in just three words.

This might sound too basic, but that’s the point. When you ask users to sum up their experience in three words, you’re not just getting feedback—you’re getting raw, unfiltered emotions. People don’t overthink it. They don’t try to sound smart or polite. They just say what comes to mind. And those three words can tell you more than a 10-minute interview sometimes.

Why Three Words Work Better Than Long Answers

Most people struggle to explain exactly how they feel about something new. They might say, “It was okay,” or “I’m not sure yet.” But when you limit them to three words, something interesting happens. They pick words that really mean something to them. Maybe it’s “confusing, slow, ugly”—or maybe it’s “clean, fast, fun.” Either way, you get a snapshot of their real feelings.

This method also helps you spot patterns. If five different users say “overwhelming,” you know you have a problem. If most say “intuitive,” you’re on the right track. And because the answers are short, you can quickly compare feedback from different types of users—like beginners vs. experts, or younger vs. older testers.

What Different Words Really Mean

Not all three-word answers are equal. Some words are clear red flags, while others are great signs. Here’s how to read between the lines:

Positive signals:
- “Simple, fast, useful” → Your product is easy to use and solves a problem.
- “Beautiful, smooth, fun” → Users enjoy the design and experience.
- “Wow, impressive, cool” → They’re genuinely excited.
Red flags:
- “Confusing, slow, clunky” → The interface or performance needs work.
- “Boring, basic, meh” → It’s not standing out or engaging users.
- “Frustrating, buggy, broken” → There are serious usability or technical issues.

Sometimes, the words seem neutral at first—like “interesting” or “different.” But these can be tricky. “Interesting” might mean “I don’t get it yet,” while “different” could mean “I’m not sure if I like this.” That’s why you should always follow up.

Digging Deeper: What to Ask Next

Three words are just the start. Once a user gives you their first impression, ask them to explain:

“Why did you choose those words?”
“What made you feel that way?”
“Was there a specific moment that stood out?”

This helps you understand the why behind their words. For example, if someone says “overwhelming,” they might mean the dashboard has too many buttons. If they say “exciting,” maybe it’s because the onboarding was surprisingly smooth. These details help you fix problems and double down on what’s working.

Putting It All Together

First impressions aren’t just about whether users like your product—they’re about whether they’ll keep using it. By asking for three words, you get honest, emotional feedback that’s easy to analyze. You’ll see patterns, spot problems, and find opportunities to make your product even better.

So next time you’re running a beta test, try this simple question. You might be surprised by what you learn—and how much it helps you build something people truly love.

Assessing Usability: “Show Me How You Would Complete [Task] Without Guidance”

Usability is the silent hero of great products. You can have the most innovative features in the world, but if users struggle to figure them out, they’ll walk away. That’s why beta testing isn’t just about asking users what they think—it’s about watching what they do. And one of the best ways to uncover real usability issues? Give them a task and say, “Show me how you’d do this—no help from me.”

This approach works because people don’t always know what they don’t know. If you ask, “Is this feature easy to use?” most users will say “Yes”—even if they spent five minutes clicking around in frustration. But when you watch them actually try to complete a task, the truth comes out. You’ll see where they hesitate, where they guess wrong, and where they invent workarounds that make you cringe. These moments are gold. They tell you exactly where your product is failing its users.

Why Observing Beats Asking

Self-reported feedback is like asking someone to describe how they ride a bike. They might say, “It’s easy!” but until you watch them wobble, nearly crash, and finally figure out the brakes, you won’t know the real story. The same goes for your product. Users might think they understand how it works, but their actions reveal the gaps.

Here’s what you’ll miss if you only rely on surveys or interviews:

The “I’ll just do it this way” workaround – Users often find creative (but inefficient) ways to complete tasks. If they’re avoiding your intended flow, that’s a red flag.
The silent frustration – A user might not say, “This is confusing,” but you’ll see it in their pauses, repeated clicks, or sighs.
The false confidence – Some users will say, “I got it!” when they actually didn’t. Watching them complete the task tells you if they really understood.

How to Set Up the Perfect Unguided Task

The key is to make the scenario feel natural—like something the user would actually do in real life. Here’s how to design it:

Pick a core task – Choose something essential to your product’s value. For example:
- “Show me how you’d set up a recurring payment.”
- “How would you find and download your monthly report?”
- “Walk me through how you’d invite a teammate to collaborate.”
Avoid leading language – Don’t say, “Click the blue button to get started.” Instead, say, “Show me how you’d begin.” The less guidance you give, the more you’ll learn.
Keep it realistic – If the task is too simple or too complex, you won’t get useful insights. Aim for something that takes 2-5 minutes in an ideal scenario.
Stay quiet (but observant) – Your job is to watch, not help. If the user gets stuck, resist the urge to jump in. Let them struggle—it’s where the best insights come from.

What to Watch For During the Session

As the user works through the task, pay attention to these signals:

Hesitations – Where do they pause? What do they hover over but not click?
Errors – Do they click the wrong button? Get lost in a menu? These are friction points.
Workarounds – Are they using a different method than you intended? That’s a sign your design isn’t intuitive.
Time spent – If a task takes twice as long as it should, something’s wrong.
Confidence level – Do they look frustrated? Relieved when they finish? Their body language tells a story.

Pro tip: If you’re testing remotely, use screen-sharing tools like Zoom or Lookback. For in-person sessions, a simple notebook works—but consider recording the session (with permission) so you can review it later.

Turning Observations Into Improvements

Once you’ve gathered your notes, look for patterns. If multiple users struggle with the same step, that’s a clear signal to simplify or redesign it. Here’s how to prioritize fixes:

Critical failures – If users can’t complete the task at all, fix this first.
High-effort workarounds – If users are inventing their own methods, your design isn’t serving them.
Minor frustrations – Small annoyances add up. Even if users can complete the task, make it smoother.

For example, imagine you’re testing a project management tool. You ask users to assign a task to a teammate, and you notice:

They all click “Settings” first (when the option is actually under “Team”).
They take 30 seconds to find the “Assign” button because it’s buried in a dropdown.
One user says, “I guess I’d just email them instead.”

These observations tell you exactly what to fix: move the “Assign” option to a more visible place, rename the menu, and simplify the flow.

Tools to Make Usability Testing Easier

You don’t need fancy equipment to run great usability tests, but a few tools can help:

Screen recording – Tools like Loom or UserTesting capture the user’s screen and facial expressions.
Heatmaps – Hotjar or Crazy Egg show where users click, scroll, and get stuck.
Note-taking templates – A simple spreadsheet with columns for Task, Observation, and Severity keeps you organized.
Session replay – Some tools (like FullStory) let you rewatch user sessions to spot patterns.

The best tool? Your own eyes. Even without software, watching a user interact with your product will teach you more than a hundred surveys ever could.

The Biggest Mistake to Avoid

The most common error in usability testing? Helping too soon. It’s tempting to jump in when a user struggles—“Oh, you just click here!”—but that defeats the purpose. The whole point is to see where they get stuck without your guidance. If you must intervene, wait until they’ve given up or asked for help. Even then, note it as a critical usability issue.

Final Thought: Usability Is About Respect

Great usability isn’t just about making a product that works—it’s about making one that respects the user’s time and intelligence. When you watch someone struggle with your design, it’s easy to feel defensive. But every stumble is a gift. It’s a chance to make your product better, not just for that one user, but for everyone who comes after.

So next time you’re running a beta test, don’t just ask users what they think. Give them a task, step back, and watch. The insights you’ll gain might just be the difference between a product people use and one they love.

5. Gauging Value Perception: “What Would Make You Stop Using This Product?”

Imagine you spend months building a product. You test it, polish it, and finally launch it. Then, users start dropping off. They try it once, maybe twice, and then—poof—they’re gone. What went wrong?

Often, the problem isn’t that your product is bad. It’s that users don’t see enough value in it to keep coming back. They might like it at first, but if something better (or cheaper, or faster) comes along, they’ll switch without a second thought. That’s why, during beta testing, you need to ask one of the most important questions: “What would make you stop using this product?”

This isn’t just about finding bugs. It’s about uncovering the real reasons someone might walk away—before they actually do.

Why Value Perception Matters More Than Features

You might think your product is amazing because it has 20 cool features. But users don’t care about features—they care about solutions. If your product doesn’t solve a problem better than what they’re already using, they won’t stick around.

Think about it: How many apps do you have on your phone that you’ve opened once and never touched again? Probably a lot. The difference between those apps and the ones you use every day isn’t just functionality—it’s perceived value. If an app saves you time, makes your life easier, or gives you something you can’t get elsewhere, you’ll keep using it. If not? It’s just taking up space.

That’s why this question is so powerful. It forces users to think critically: “Is this product really worth my time and money?” And if the answer is no, you need to know why—before it’s too late.

How to Ask the Question Without Leading Users

The key here is to avoid hypotheticals. Don’t ask, “Would you stop using this if it didn’t have Feature X?” That’s leading—they’ll just say yes because you suggested it. Instead, keep it open-ended:

“What would make you stop using this product?”
“What’s missing that would make you switch to something else?”
“If you had to give up one thing about this product, what would it be?”

These questions make users think about their real needs, not just what they think you want to hear. And the answers might surprise you.

For example, you might assume users care most about speed. But what if they tell you they’d stop using your product if it didn’t integrate with their favorite tool? Or if the pricing felt unfair? Those are the real dealbreakers—and the ones you need to fix.

Common Dealbreakers (And How to Fix Them)

Not all dealbreakers are obvious. Some are small but critical. Here are a few you might hear—and how to address them:

Performance issues – “It’s too slow.” → Optimize speed, reduce load times.
Missing features – “I need X, but it’s not here.” → Prioritize the most-requested features.
Pricing concerns – “It’s not worth the cost.” → Offer a free tier, adjust pricing, or add more value.
Poor UX – “It’s confusing to use.” → Simplify the interface, add tutorials.
Lack of integrations – “It doesn’t work with my other tools.” → Build integrations with popular apps.

The good news? Most of these are fixable—if you catch them early. That’s why beta testing is so valuable. It’s your chance to turn potential dealbreakers into reasons users stay.

Case Study: How One Startup Fixed a Major Dealbreaker

Let’s look at a real example. A small SaaS company was testing a new project management tool. They assumed users would love its sleek design and advanced features. But when they asked, “What would make you stop using this?” they got a surprising answer: “If it didn’t have a mobile app.”

At first, they dismissed it—after all, most of their users worked on desktops. But then they dug deeper. They found that even if users mostly worked on computers, they still wanted to check updates on their phones. Without a mobile app, they’d switch to a competitor that had one.

So, the team prioritized a mobile version. Within months, retention improved by 30%. The lesson? Sometimes, the dealbreaker isn’t what you expect. You have to ask—and then listen.

**The Bottom Line: Build What Users Actually Need**

At the end of the day, your product’s success depends on one thing: Does it solve a problem better than anything else out there? If it does, users will stick around. If not, they’ll leave—and they might not tell you why.

That’s why this question is so important. It forces users to think about what really matters to them. And if you listen closely, you’ll find the gaps between what you think they want and what they actually need.

So next time you’re running a beta test, don’t just ask what users like. Ask what would make them quit. Because the answers might just save your product.

Future-Proofing Feedback: “If You Could Change One Thing About [Product], What Would It Be?”

This question is like a crystal ball for your product. It doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong today—it shows you where your product might struggle tomorrow. Beta testers are the perfect people to ask because they’re using your product in real life, not just in a lab. They see things you don’t, and they’re not afraid to tell you the truth.

But here’s the tricky part: not every suggestion is gold. Some ideas sound amazing but would take years to build. Others seem small but could completely change how people use your product. So how do you tell the difference? And how do you actually use this feedback to make your product better?

Why This Question Works Better Than “What Do You Think?”

Most people ask, “What do you think of our product?” The problem? That question is too broad. Users might say, “It’s great!” and leave it at that. Or they’ll list a hundred tiny things they don’t like, and you’ll end up overwhelmed.

“If you could change one thing, what would it be?” forces focus. It makes users pick the one thing that would make the biggest difference for them. And that’s where the real insights hide.

For example, imagine you’re building a project management tool. A user might say:

“I wish it had a dark mode.” (Nice to have, but not critical.)
“I wish it integrated with Slack so I don’t have to switch apps.” (This could be a game-changer.)

The second answer tells you what really matters to them.

How to Get the Best Answers (Without Leading Them)

The key is to keep the question open-ended but guide them toward practical answers. Here’s how:

Avoid yes/no questions – “Do you like the new dashboard?” → “What’s one thing you’d change about the dashboard?”
Ask for specifics – If they say, “It’s too slow,” follow up: “What part feels slowest? What would make it faster for you?”
Dig for the “why” – “I wish it had more customization.” → “What would you customize? Why is that important to you?”
Watch for patterns – If 5 out of 10 users say the same thing, that’s your priority.

A good rule of thumb: If a user struggles to answer, they might not have strong feelings yet. But if they light up and say, “Oh, I’ve been wanting to tell you this!”—you’ve hit paydirt.

Turning Feedback Into Action (Without Going Crazy)

Not all feedback is equal. Some ideas are brilliant but impossible right now. Others are easy wins. So how do you decide what to build?

One simple way is the MoSCoW method:

Must-have – Critical for launch (e.g., “The app crashes when I save.”)
Should-have – Important but not urgent (e.g., “I wish the search was faster.”)
Could-have – Nice to have, but low impact (e.g., “I’d love more color options.”)
Won’t-have – Not worth the effort (e.g., “Can you add a built-in coffee maker?”)

Here’s how a real product team used this:

Case Study: A Fitness App That Pivoted Before Launch A startup was building a workout app with AI-generated plans. Beta testers loved the personalization but kept saying, “I wish I could share my progress with friends.” At first, the team thought this was a “could-have” feature. But when they dug deeper, they realized users weren’t just asking for a share button—they wanted community.

So they scrapped their original social features (which were clunky) and built a simple way to challenge friends. The result? Engagement tripled, and they launched with a product that felt essential to users, not just functional.

The Secret: Close the Feedback Loop

The worst thing you can do is ask for feedback and then disappear. Users will stop giving honest answers if they think you’re not listening.

Here’s what to do instead:

Thank them – A simple “We really appreciate this!” goes a long way.
Tell them what you’re doing – “We’re looking into the Slack integration—stay tuned!”
Show the changes – When you launch an update, say, “This is based on your feedback!”

People love feeling heard. And when they see their ideas in action, they’ll keep giving you the kind of feedback that shapes your product’s future.

Final Thought: The Best Products Aren’t Built in a Day

No product is perfect at launch. The ones that last are the ones that keep improving based on real user needs. This one question—“If you could change one thing, what would it be?”—is your shortcut to building something people don’t just use, but love.

So next time you’re running a beta test, don’t just ask what’s wrong. Ask what could be. The answers might surprise you.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together

You’ve got six powerful prompts in your toolkit now—each one designed to uncover honest, actionable feedback from your beta testers. But knowing what to ask is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you use these questions the right way.

Let’s recap why these prompts work so well. The “3-word first impression” question cuts through the noise and tells you what users really feel in seconds. Watching them complete a task without guidance reveals usability issues you’d never spot otherwise. And asking what would make them stop using your product? That’s like having a crystal ball for your product’s future.

When and How to Use Each Prompt

Not every question fits every situation. Here’s a quick guide:

First impressions (3-word question): Best at the very start of testing, before users get too familiar with your product.
Task-based observation: Use this when you need to test specific workflows or features.
Value perception (“What would make you stop?”): Perfect for mid-testing, after users have had time to form opinions.
Future-proofing (“What would you change?”): Save this for later in the process when users have enough experience to give thoughtful suggestions.
Context questions (“Walk me through your day”): Great for early interviews to understand user needs before they even see your product.
Problem-solving (“How would you fix this?”): Use when you’ve identified a pain point and want to explore solutions.

The key is to mix and match these prompts based on what you’re trying to learn. Start broad with context questions, then narrow down to specific tasks and pain points.

Making Feedback Work for You

Great user interviews don’t just happen—they’re created. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Create a comfortable space: Users won’t give honest feedback if they feel like they’re being tested. Make it clear you’re testing the product, not them.
Listen more than you talk: The less you guide users, the more you’ll learn. Resist the urge to explain or defend your product.
Combine with other methods: Use these prompts alongside surveys, analytics, and usability tests for a full picture.
Look for patterns: One user’s opinion is just that—an opinion. But if multiple users say the same thing, you’ve found a real issue.

After the interviews, don’t just file away the feedback. Organize it, look for trends, and prioritize what to fix first. Tools like Airtable, Notion, or even a simple spreadsheet can help you track and analyze responses efficiently.

Your Next Steps

Ready to put this into action? Here’s how to get started:

Pick 2-3 prompts to test in your next beta interview. Start small—you don’t need to use all six at once.
Script your interview using a template. Tools like Google Docs, Typeform, or even a simple notepad work fine.
Practice active listening. Record the sessions (with permission) so you can focus on the conversation, not taking notes.
Act on the feedback. The best user interviews are useless if you don’t do anything with what you learn.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to collect feedback—it’s to build a better product. Non-leading questions might feel uncomfortable at first (it’s tempting to guide users toward the answers you want), but they’re the only way to get the truth. And the truth? That’s what separates products people use from products people love.

So go ahead—try one of these prompts in your next beta test. You might be surprised by what you learn. And your users? They’ll thank you for it.