This project focuses on evaluating and improving the first-time user experience of TeamCity - from initial sign-up through first successful build configuration. Research shows that a significant portion of potential users drop off during the evaluation phase before fully experiencing the product's value. This project aims to identify specific friction points, usability barriers, and gaps in guidance that contribute to early abandonment.
The intern will conduct a structured usability study of the TeamCity onboarding flow, combining multiple research methods: heuristic evaluation, task-based usability testing with external participants, and analysis of existing user feedback data. The study will cover the end-to-end new user journey including registration, project setup, build configuration, and first run interpretation.
Key deliverables:
Heuristic evaluation report of the current onboarding flow against established usability principles
Moderated usability testing sessions (8–12 participants) with recordings and coded findings
Prioritized list of usability issues mapped to specific onboarding steps, with severity ratings
Evidence-based recommendations for onboarding improvements, presented to the product team
The project directly supports the TeamCity product team's strategic goal of improving trial-to-adoption conversion by providing actionable, research-backed insights into where and why new users struggle.
Background beneficial in UX research, HCI, cognitive psychology, or a related field (enrolled student or recent graduate)
Familiarity with core usability research methods: heuristic evaluation, usability testing, task analysis
Readiness to plan, recruit for, and moderate usability testing sessions
Strong analytical skills for identifying patterns in qualitative data and translating findings into actionable recommendations
Clear written and verbal communication in English; ability to moderate calls in english, and present findings to a cross-functional product team
Self-directed work style with ability to manage a research timeline independently
No CI/CD or DevOps background required - a fresh perspective on the product experience is an asset for this role