Usability testing
Larger View
The goal of each lab-based usability test is to provide actionable recommendations to the client.
Qualitative feedback by observing users
We gather qualitative data by observing users as they complete tasks and recording their feedback on the processes and functionality of a product, website, software application, intranet site, newsletter, basically anything that has a customer interface or involves human interaction.
For our user tests, we hire state-of-the-art usability labs of CUO/IBBT. When testing in the stationary lab is impossible, we offer remote observation capability with a mobile lab, allowing us to conduct tests in locations desired by our clients.
During the test, we capture each mistake, moment of confusion or frustration in order to ascertain exactly what is causing difficulty. These camera images and loggings provide an overview of the verbal and non verbal reactions of the user to the user interface and the way he interacts with it. It is possible to create a DVD-montage of major usability problems for presentation to your management, IT department or your colleagues.
Quantitative feedback through eye tracking and/or physiological tests
Eye tracking
Eye tracking is a quantitative method for collecting eye movement data that can then be statistically analyzed to determine the pattern and duration of eye fixations and the sequence of scan paths as a user visually moves through a page or screen.
Currently, our tests include the following applications:
- Print media: advertisements, magazines, newspapers, pack design, instructions, forms, ...
- TV advertisements and product placement
- Websites and website ads/banners
During an eyetracking test, it is possible to see a participant's scan path. Afterwards, this can be visualized in several ways: gaze plots (showing the scan path and eye fixations), a gaze replay (showing the scan path dynamically) or a heatmap (in which areas of interest can be identified).
GSR (galvanic skin response)
GSR measures fluctuations of the electrical resistance of the skin, caused by emotions of the user. Fear, anger, frustration, sexual excitement, ... are all among the emotions which may produce similar GSR responses. These physiological data correlate with task performance data: with a decrease of the task performance level, the normalized GSR increases. In user experience evaluations, data can be mirrored in subjective reports assessing stress/frustration level.