Formal usability labs seem to be like focus groups, they don't get too much respect in the literature nowadays with so many tools like Morae around. Usability labs are often strongly associated with usability testing, but labs (that are not tiny anyway) can be used for many things including focus groups, participatory design, design walkthroughs, "war rooms" that exhibit artifacts for projects, brainstorming rooms and many other purposes. I think that the ROI for a lab where all you do is testing occasionally might not be too great, but a lab can serve as a foundation for a team and if used for many purposes, have a good return. With modern tools, you don't necessarily need a one-way mirror though that is still useful if you are testing consumer products or conducting a focus group. If you are doing testing in your organization's facilities, you can get frustrated with sharing conference rooms, have problems with privacy and many other problems that a formal lab can minimize.
Now, testing in the field with laptops and remote testing is fine too. Both have their strengths. Chauncey On Fri, Jun 13, 2008 at 5:26 PM, Nasir Barday <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'm with Jared on this one ... >>> My opinion: Usability labs are a senseless waste of glass and furniture. >>> http://www.uie.com/articles/streamlining_usability/ > > The linked article says it all, but in short: > > -) A formal lab seriously freaks some users out, especially Type A finance > folks > -) Same for webcams, though those are useful for documenting facial > reactions (grimacing, confusion, smiles, surprises) > -) Having the observers in the room makes everyone feel more > comfortable and connected. The end-of-test feedback session is a lot > more effective as a result > -) My usability lab fits in my pocket ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
