During a first-click test, a moderator presents a user with a static image of a web page, gives them a specific task such as locating a piece of information or content, and asks them to click where they would expect to find said information. The moderator then observes and records the outcome, giving you a deeper understanding of your site’s navigational strengths and weaknesses.

How important is the first click? Consider this: Research conducted in 2006 on the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that when users get the first click right there is about an 87% chance they will find the information they are looking for, even if it’s located further down your navigational structure. Conversely, getting the first click wrong decreased the success rate to only 46%. So, it’s in the interest of designers and researchers to focus closely on getting this first click right.