Record Your Test Sessions!

•  Very challenging to pay close attention during tests!

•  Impossible to take detailed notes!

•  You will need evidence for your findings (can be video!)!

Recording!
Recording software!
•  Many options: search for !
•  Screen recorder!
•  Screen casting!
•  Screen capture!
•  And find something for your platform and price!

•  Usability-specific recording software (e.g., Morae)!

•  Add task timing!
•  Keyboard entry!
•  Mouse clicks!
•  Remote observation!
Challenge: Mobile devices!
Logging!
•  Very challenging to pay attention during test!
•  Time consuming to review all video exhaustively!

•  Take a few notes to “index” into the recording!

Task 1: Using Flickr, find a picture of a green apple.
Success: User indicates an image on the screen that contains at least
one green apple.
[ ] Successful?
Time Screen Type Notes
10:14 Task start
:16 Main CU Not sure where to click
:17 Main E Clicks Shopping Cart, looks for a second, then hits
Back
:24 Prod List C! Cannot find product in list
Roles!
The “Testing Team”!
•  Moderator!
•  Logger!
•  Recording & Tech support!
•  Observers!
When you have to fly solo!
•  Plan to review videos in depth!
•  Include recording and tech support actions in a checklist!
Test Environments!
Where should I test?!
•  Private!
•  Quiet!
•  Distraction-free!

•  Multiple observers?!
•  Advanced recording needs?!
•  Special concerns over distractions?!
User Testing Labs!
User Testing Labs!
Anywhere User Testing!
Why Use a Lab?!
•  Multiple observers!

•  Special recording needs (mobile, devices, eye trackers)!

•  Special concerns about distraction!

•  You have a few extra $100K lying around!