Testing Your Guide Before Publishing
Thorough testing ensures your guide provides a smooth, accurate navigation experience. Learn proven methods to validate your guide before making it live.
Test early, test often
The best guides are tested multiple times during creation. Don't wait until the end - test as you build to catch issues early.
Preview Testing Fundamentals
Using Navvi's Preview Mode
The preview function lets you experience your guide exactly as visitors will:
How to Access Preview
- 1. Click "Preview" button in the guide editor
- 2. View on mobile - use your phone for realistic testing
- 3. Follow step-by-step - go through each photo/video frame
- 4. Test all features - accessible version, CTAs, map integration
- 5. Check different devices - test on various screen sizes
Critical Elements to Review
Focus on these key areas during your preview:
📱 Technical Elements
- • All photos/videos load quickly
- • Captions display properly
- • Map pin is precisely placed
- • Navigation flows smoothly
- • Mobile responsiveness works
🎯 Content Quality
- • Photos clearly show the path
- • Captions are easy to understand
- • Sequence makes logical sense
- • No confusing or missing steps
- • Destination is clearly identified
Real-World Testing Methods
The Walk-Through Test
Physically follow your own guide to verify accuracy:
✅ Step-by-Step Process
- 1. Go to the starting location with your phone
- 2. Open your guide preview and follow it exactly
- 3. Time your journey - note how long it takes
- 4. Document any confusion or unclear moments
- 5. Check the final destination matches expectations
- 6. Test during different times (busy vs quiet periods)
Fresh Eyes Testing
Get feedback from people who haven't seen your guide before:
Family & Friends Testing
- • Ask someone to follow your guide without your help
- • Watch them navigate - don't give hints or corrections
- • Note where they hesitate or look confused
- • Ask for honest feedback about clarity
Remote Testing
- • Send preview link to colleagues or friends
- • Ask them to review without visiting the location
- • Focus on caption clarity and logical flow
- • Get feedback on photo quality and helpfulness
Comprehensive Testing Checklist
Pre-Publishing Verification
Use this checklist to ensure your guide is ready for publication:
🎯 Content Accuracy
📝 Caption Quality
⚡ Technical Performance
Common Issues to Watch For
Photo and Video Problems
❌ Poor Photo Quality
Issues that confuse visitors:
- • Blurry or dark photos that hide important details
- • Photos taken from wrong angle or perspective
- • Important landmarks cut off or barely visible
- • Photos don't match the visitor's viewpoint
❌ Sequencing Problems
Logical flow issues:
- • Skipping important decision points or turns
- • Too many photos of the same area
- • Missing photos for confusing intersections
- • Photos in wrong order
Caption and Content Issues
⚠️ Clarity Problems
Content that creates confusion:
- • Vague directions like "go that way" or "turn here"
- • References to things not visible in photos
- • Too much information in a single caption
- • Inconsistent terminology or landmark names
⚠️ Accessibility Oversights
Missing inclusive features:
- • No alternative routes for mobility challenges
- • Missing descriptive captions for visual impairments
- • Assuming everyone can use stairs or escalators
- • No mention of accessible entrances
Advanced Testing Techniques
Stress Testing Your Guide
Test your guide under challenging conditions:
🕐 Different Times of Day
- • Morning rush hour conditions
- • Lunch break crowds
- • Evening low-light situations
- • Weekend quieter periods
🌦️ Weather Variations
- • Bright sunny conditions
- • Cloudy or overcast lighting
- • Rain (if route includes outdoor areas)
- • Early morning or evening light
User Scenario Testing
Test how different types of visitors experience your guide:
👥 First-Time Visitor
Someone completely unfamiliar with the location - do they need additional context or reassurance?
⏰ Time-Pressured Visitor
Someone in a hurry - can they quickly scan and understand directions without getting lost?
📱 Technology-Challenged User
Someone less comfortable with smartphones - is the interface intuitive and forgiving?
Post-Test Improvements
Acting on Feedback
Use testing results to refine your guide:
Common Refinements
- Add confirmation steps: Insert reassuring captions at decision points
- Improve photo angles: Retake photos from visitor's perspective
- Simplify language: Replace complex terms with everyday words
- Add missing steps: Fill gaps in the navigation sequence
- Enhance landmarks: Point out more memorable reference points
Testing never truly ends
Even after publishing, continue to monitor your guide's performance through analytics and user feedback. Great guides evolve based on real-world usage.
Ready to test your guide?
Thorough testing transforms a good guide into a great one. Take the time to verify every detail - your visitors will thank you for the smooth experience.