Remote usability testing: the business benefits
Our remote usability tests will show you how people really use your web site. Because the evaluation takes place in the participant's native physical and computing environment, you are much more likely to observe authentic behaviour than with a lab-based test.
What is remote usability testing?
Remote usability testing is similar to conventional usability testing except that participants don't come to a lab — instead, the participant carries out the test from his or her home or place of work. We ask participants to carry out tasks with the web site and observe their behaviour using screen sharing technology. To keep up a good flow of comments, we question participants by telephone as they carry out the tasks.
Why do remote usability testing?
Remote usability testing is a great solution if:
- You want to test a web site or intranet with participants in diverse geographical areas.
- Participants can't or won't come to a lab.
- You need a more "ethnographic" element to your testing.
- You need to do usability testing on a budget (tests are typically 30% cheaper than lab-based studies).
- Several people from your organisation want to observe the tests but each can spare only 1-2 hours.
When should I do remote usability testing?
Remote usability testing works best with a live web site or a stable electronic prototype that can be sent to a participant ahead of the test.
Our approach to remote usability testing
We carry out moderated (facilitated) remote usability testing. With this technique, we ask participants to attend a meeting using an online service that allows us to view the participant’s computer screen. For audio, we simply call the participant on his or her mobile or land line.
We record the sessions using a software-based usability tool called Morae. While participants perform tasks with your web site, Morae runs in the background to capture what happens on screen. This tool allows us to make pixel-perfect recordings of the participant’s screen and annotate user actions.
Observers from your company can view the sessions on their local computer in real time or we can create a more concise highlights video of the critical user issues and present this to the development team.
What does it cost?
Remote usability testing is quicker and cheaper than lab-based usability testing. We can deliver a 6-participant usability test in 4 days. Prices from £3,800 + participant incentives.
What should I do next?
- Read an article on usability testing.
- Complete the form below and one of our consultants will contact you within 24hrs to discuss your situation.