How to Set-Up a Usability Lab

Usability testing has become integral to the product development cycle for websites, web applications, SaaS, mobile sites, mobile applications and everything related to the customer experience online. As part of this process, many clients have set up their own in-house usability testing environments to enable persistent and iterative usability testing for their web-based products. Creating an in-house usability lab is not only cost-effective, but also enables impromptu usability testing throughout multiple stages of a product's lifecycle, from testing concepts, wireframes and paper prototypes, to testing full beta sites, live websites and mobile applications.

In this article, we will define the "Top 5 Steps" to consider when setting up a usability lab. Even if you are not looking to set up your own lab, many of these tips will be useful when selecting a research facility that provides usability testing capabilities.

Top 5 Steps to Setting Up a Usabilty Lab:

1. Create a Participant Research Room:

• Basic Technology Requirements:
  - Participant PC / 17" Monitor
  - Keyboard/Mouse
  - Speakers
  
• Screen resolution needs to be set to a minimum of 1024 x 768
• High Speed Internet Access
• Relevant Applications: These should all be downloaded on the PC to be used for testing unless you are evaluating the download / upgrade of an application:
  - Must-haves are the latest version of IE, Firefox, and/or Safari (if using a Mac) - – Occasionally, a rollback to a previous version of an Internet browser may be necessary, especially when evaluating prototypes. Be sure to test this before your sessions!
  -Other applications to consider are: MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Flash, Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, WebEx, Gotomeeting, etc.
  
• Telephone with a high quality speaker
• Refreshments for Participants: It is ideal to have water and / or beverages in the room, so you will not need to stop a session if a participant needs a drink. Tissues and anti-bacterial gel are also a good idea!

2. Establish a Client Viewing Room:

• Large High-Resolution Monitor / LCD TV for multiple clients to view sessions
• High-Speed Internet Access
• Telephone w/Speaker

3. Enable Picture-in-Picture Recording:

• Option 1: Morae – This is the most reputable in-house recording equipment that enables picture-in-picture recording, real-time streaming audio and video and recording from the participant computer into the client viewing room. Tech Smith
• Option 2: Video / Audio Recording Equipment w/ Scan Converter – This is the traditional (somewhat outdated) method used by many research facilities to deliver picture-in-picture recording. They have built in audio in the participant viewing room that pipes into the client viewing room and they place a stationary video recorder in the room to capture participant’s facial expressions. The computer is connected to a monitor in the client viewing room using a cable and a scan converter to enable picture-in-picture recording.
• Option 3: WebCam / WebEx – This is the most cost effective method of conducting a usability lab, without investing in lab equipment. You can attach a WebCam to the participant monitor and use WebEx or GoToMeeting to remotely view the participant’s computer screen. Using a conference dial-in, remote parties can listen to the moderator / participant while watching the session online.

4. Manage Recruiting:

• Create Screener: Identify key questions that will determine target sample
• Engage Recruiter: Either in-house, or using 3rd party, to contact prospective participants
• Offer Incentives: It is necessary to offer a reasonable incentive for:
  -Length of interview (e.g., $75 for 1 hr)
  -Type of participant being recruited (e.g., physicians will require a much higher per hour incentive than consumers, etc.) - In order to use floaters, you must have an appropriate waiting area. An alternative to floaters is to schedule more respondents than you need (e.g., 8 sessions instead of 6, etc.) to cover in case of no-shows. If you do not have any no-shows, you just have more data at a lower cost!
  - Time of arrival – Participants should understand the time of the appointment and the time you expect them to arrive (usually 15 minutes before the start of the session). This will allow them time to access the building, complete any necessary paperwork, and allow you to stay on schedule.
  -Directions to Facility – Ideally, you should provide the recruiters with a PDF of directions that can be emailed with a confirmation to participants. These directions should include any specifications of which door to enter, whom to ask for, etc. – anything a participant needs to know to access the building and be directed to you.
  -Parking Information – Directions should also include parking details. Is there a special lot? Is parking being paid for? Should users take a ticket? Are there special visitor parking spaces?
  -Any Access Requirements – Is a photo ID necessary? Is there anything else participants should know about accessing the building? What if the session is after hours – are any special instructions necessary?
  

5. Designate a Participant Waiting Area:

• Chairs and Table: A comfortable seating area where participants can read or work is key.
• Magazines: Magazines or other amusements should be provided for participants who do not bring something to do as they wait.
• Refreshments / Snacks: At a minimum, water should be provided for all participants as they wait. Offering beverages and snacks can make for a more pleasant and welcoming experience.

We hope these guidelines can help as you think about setting up your next usability lab, whether you’re building your own testing environment or working with a facility. If you have any questions or need assistance, please read more about our usability lab services or contact us!

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