FAQ for Testers
Got questions about testing with OpenScouter? You’re in the right place. Here are answers to the things testers ask us most often.
How long does a test take?
Most tests take around 15 minutes to complete. Some are a little shorter, some a little longer, depending on the scope of what you’re testing.
Each study listing shows an estimated duration before you accept it, so you always know what to expect. If you find yourself finishing faster or slower, that’s completely normal. There’s no pressure to rush, and you won’t be penalised for taking your time.
What if I need a break during a test?
Life happens, and we’ve built OpenScouter with that in mind. You can pause a test at any point and resume it when you’re ready.
Just look for the pause option in the testing interface. Your progress is saved automatically, so nothing is lost while you’re away. If you need to step away for a few minutes, take a breath, or deal with something unexpected, go right ahead.
Can I stop a test early?
Yes, you can stop a test before you’ve finished it. If something comes up or you decide a particular study isn’t right for you, you’re free to exit.
Any observations and notes you recorded before stopping are saved and may still be useful to the research team. Stopping early occasionally is fine. If you find it’s happening regularly, it might be worth checking whether the types of studies you’re accepting are a good fit for you.
What if I don’t find any accessibility issues?
That is genuinely useful data. Not every part of every product has accessibility problems, and confirming that something works well for you is just as valuable as reporting a barrier.
Your job as a tester is to explore honestly and share what you experience. If your authentic experience is that everything worked smoothly, say so. Accurate feedback in either direction helps businesses understand how their product performs for real users.
How quickly will I get paid?
Payment is processed within 24 hours of a completed test being accepted by our team.
We use Stripe for all payments, so funds go directly to your connected bank account or debit card. You’ll receive a notification once payment has been sent. If you haven’t received payment after 24 hours, check your Stripe account first, then reach out to support if something looks off.
Can I test on mobile?
Currently, OpenScouter requires Chrome on a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile and other browsers are not supported at this time.
We know this is a limitation, and we’re actively working on expanding platform support. If you use assistive technology that’s tied to a specific device or browser that isn’t yet supported, keep an eye on updates from us. We want to include as many testers as possible.
What assistive technology can I use?
You can use whatever assistive technology you normally rely on. That’s the whole point.
Whether you use a screen reader, magnification software, voice control, a switch device, or any other tool that’s part of your everyday setup, please use it during your tests. OpenScouter is designed to capture your real experience, and your assistive technology is a core part of that. There’s no need to test without it or switch to something unfamiliar.
Is my identity shared with the business being tested?
No. Your identity is never shared with the business whose product you’re testing.
Reports sent to clients contain your observations and findings, but all personal details are removed. Businesses receive anonymised feedback focused on accessibility insights, not information about who you are. Your privacy is protected throughout the entire process.
Can I choose which studies to accept?
Yes, you’re always in control of which studies you take on.
When a new study that matches your profile becomes available, you’ll receive an offer via Telegram. You can review the details and decide whether to accept or pass. There’s no obligation to accept every offer, and declining one won’t affect your standing or the offers you receive in the future. Take studies that feel right for you.
What if I disagree with the AI’s notes?
You have the final say on everything that gets submitted. Always.
After a test, the AI generates a draft of notes and observations based on what you recorded. You can review these, edit anything that doesn’t reflect your experience accurately, or reject notes entirely if they’re off the mark. The AI is there to help you capture your thoughts, not to put words in your mouth. If something doesn’t feel right, change it or remove it.
What does the capacity quiz cover?
The capacity quiz is not a test of your ability or knowledge. It covers your understanding of your own data rights.
Specifically, it checks that you know what data OpenScouter collects, how it’s used, and what your rights are as a participant. This is a legal and ethical requirement to ensure that your consent is fully informed. There are no trick questions, and you can retake it if needed. We want you to feel confident and clear about your rights before you start testing.
Can I change my ND categories after registration?
Yes, you can update your neurodivergent and disability categories at any time through your profile settings.
Your circumstances and how you identify can change over time, and your profile should reflect that. Keeping your categories current also helps us match you with the studies most relevant to your experience, which benefits both you and the businesses you’re helping. Head to your profile, find the categories section, and make whatever changes feel right.