---
title: "5-second Task"
canonical: "https://help.uxarmy.com/space/UT/90177564/5-second%20Task"
format: markdown
---
5 Second Test allows participants to view  **image** for a limited time duration** **(default duration is 5 seconds) and then respond based on what they remember or understand.

It is designed to capture **first impressions, attention, and clarity** within a very short exposure time.

Unlike other tasks, this test focuses purely on **visual perception and immediate recall**, not interaction.  
While Time Limited tasks can be used to test **live links or prototypes with interaction**, the 5 Second Test is restricted to **static images only**, making it ideal for quick visual evaluation.

### **Purpose of 5 Second Test**

This task is used to evaluate:

- First impression of a design
- Clarity of messaging and value proposition
- What users notice first
- Whether key elements stand out

It is commonly used for:

- Landing pages
- App screens
- Ads and banners
- Product pages

### **Creating a 5 Second Test (Step-by-Step)**

Click the **+ (Add Task)** button  
Select **5 sec **Task  
Upload or select an **Image**  
Set the **display duration** (default 5 seconds)  
(Optional) Enable reminder

### **Understanding the Setup**

![Insert image in 5Sec Task.png](media://adb95cc0-77a8-4fdd-b9d1-977865f2fa08)

*Insert image in 5-second Task*

**Type – 5 Sec**  
Defines the task as a time-based image exposure test.

**Select / Modify Image**  
You can upload or choose an image to be shown to participants.  
Supported formats:

- JPG
- PNG
- GIF (within size limits)

You can:

- Upload from your computer
- Select from existing images
- Choose from prototypes (if available as images)

Refer to the [Common Image library guide](https://help.uxarmy.com/space/NF/288456727/Common+Image+Library) to learn how to upload and manage images.

**Set up Image Display Time**

Defines how long the image is shown to participants.

- Default: 5 seconds
- Adjustable based on test needs

This short duration ensures users rely on **instinctive observation rather than detailed analysis**, unlike Time Limited task where users may interact with content within a set time.

**Reminder (Optional)**

Displays a short alert before showing the image.

This helps participants:

- Prepare for the task
- Pay attention during the limited viewing time

### **Writing Task Instructions**

Instructions should prepare participants for what they need to focus on **after viewing the image**.

Keep them:

- Simple and clear
- Focused on recall or understanding
- Not overly detailed

**Example:**  
“You will see a screen for 5 seconds. After that, describe what you remember and what you think this page is about.”

### **How It Works During Testing**

Participants see a reminder (if enabled)  
The image is displayed for the set duration  
 The image disappears automatically  
 Participants answer follow-up questions based on memory

This approach captures **unbiased first impressions**, without allowing interaction or exploration.

### **Results View**

In the Results tab, the 5 Second Test provides insight into **user recall and attention**.

You can view:

- Participant responses (recall, understanding)
- Transcriptions (if think-aloud is enabled)
- Individual session playback

This helps you understand:

- What users noticed first
- What they remembered
- Whether the design communicated clearly what it intended to

![5 Sec test results dashboard overview.png](media://c7ac97b1-9350-4cf5-a877-10aa1a815ba1)

*5-Second task results*