Should I Push for a Usability Lab?

Discussion:

The issue of usability labs is not as straightforward as one might expect.  There are strong proponents of usability labs, but at the same time, there are many who feel that usability labs aren't needed for effective usability engineering.  The following outlines the advantages and disadvantages of having a usability lab.

Advantages:

• Demonstrates management commitment
• Indicates to product teams that usability is an important issue
• Motivates people to watch testing
• A visible and tangible sign of your existence
• Makes testing easier, more robust results
• Establishes group identity

Disadvantages:

• The lab becomes usability - people tend to believe that testing in the lab is the only thing you do
• People more interested in the gadgets as opposed to the process of usability testing
• Have to justify spending money and finding space (can be a pretty hefty first cost)
• Argued that very good results are gained without a formal lab

The bottom line:

If you don't have a lab, you can still effectively do usability testing. So, don't spend unnecessary effort pursuing a lab. However, if you have the opportunity to build one, take it and build the best lab they will allow you to build.

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