Remote Usability Testing

What is this method about?

An online usability test in which the participant’s actions are captured by tools such as screen sharing and video recording, and user interactions with a product are observed to provide design insights.

Why use it

In order to reach a wider geographic area, reduce costs and be more flexible in usability testing.

When should I use it?

Whenever time and location are a factor in usability testing. Usability testing is usually conducted in the early design stages on low-fi or hi-fi functional products.

What you get

The activity will generate a list of observations about the way participants interact with the product. The deliverables of audio / video recordings may be used to inform design changes and communicate decisions to stakeholders.

At a glance

• Time: Long
• Effort: Medium
• Cost: High

Materials

• Testing goals
• Usability testing script
• Screen sharing and/or video tools.
• Participants
• A way to take notes and to record the tests.
• Cloud drive to store and share deliverables.
• Online usability testing software (optional) e.g. usertesting.com

Who is involved

• UX Researcher
• Test participants. (minimum 10)
• Recruitment/Research partner (optional)