When the product is relatively early in the development phase or there has not been a history of usability testing established in the company, then a simple usability test can be performed. For such a test there is not a special requirement that the entire population of users be represented and no special laboratory equipment is needed. A testing area can be chosen that is relatively quiet and comfortable. This area should be equiped with a desk and chairs for the participant, the experimenter and mechanism for interact with the product. A video tape record of the test is recommended but is not necessary. The experimenter would simply explain all tasks to the test user, provide the user with the necessary practice with the product, guide the test and encourage thinking aloud to gather data.
Using a simple usability test does have its advantages. It is relatively fast and can be accomplished within short time frames at short notices. It is inexpensive if participants are chosen that are part of the design team or group but are not working on the particular product. If performed frequently enough it quickly establishes a visible usability program with higher level managers noticing the test taking place and becoming informed about its cost saving features. Using a video tape record provides a data bank of usability tests that can be used as a future reference. It is highly recommended that a quick and simple usability test be performed at the early stages of the product's design and for situations when a usability program is not set up within a company, until a more formal method is available.
Usability test laboratories can be set up using the below configuration. The Participant Side is where the usability test takes place. A table is available for the participant and the experimenter to talk about the product's usability, and for filling out consent forms and questionnaires. The video recorder monitors and records the proceedings. A one-way mirror on one side of the room connects to the Observer Side room. This room consists of video recorder controls and an area for the designers and the project team to watch the test. The seperation of this area from the Participant Side is essential as some of the design team may take offence to some of the participant's comments or get frustrated if the product is not performing to their expectations. The Additional Observer Area is available for higher level executives to come visit the usability area and watch while the test is taking place.
Pictures of such a lab setup are available on the net at the following locations:
Usability Lab at Helsinki University of Technology
Jakob Nielson's Usability Testing of WWW designs