First Insights - Lab based Usability Testing

When you and your development team are looking to gather rich qualitative feedback from your customers and expose unforeseen user interface issues, a lab based usability test is ideal. First Insights typically suggests a lab based methodology when an interface is at the mid-point prototype stage, just before launch or when your development team is looking to gather benchmark commentary on a live site.

A lab based usability test will help your company…

Learn whether your users understand the value proposition of an interface
Pinpoint specific areas of an interface (e.g. navigation, content, functionality) that require modifications
Feel empowered during the decision making process regarding the next phase of development
Save development time and avoid the expense of major post-launch revisions
Improve acquisition and retention rates
Uncover critical glitches that might cause site abandonment
Minimize the risk of launching a site that does not adequately address user needs

Common Questions

1. Where can testing be conducted?

Almost anywhere. First Insights has conducted lab based usability tests in over 15 cities in the US and Europe. We maintain our own package of mobile digital video equipment and can also set up one-on-one interviews in a quiet office at your location. Either way, we take care of all the logistical planning.

2. How much does lab based usability testing cost?

Although there are various types of test formats, a good rule of thumb is to spend about 10% of your total Web site development budget on lab based usability testing. Contact us for more pricing details.

3. How much time does a standard project take from start to finish?

A typically lab based usability undertaking involves the following:

Preparation: 7 – 10 days for recruitment, interface review, moderator’s guide developing & facility selection
Testing: 1 – 3 days of actual testing sessions with six to eight participants per day
Results: 7 – 8 days of report preparation and delivery

4. Is usability testing just for Web sites?

Nope. Usability testing is a critical exercise when developing an Intranet, Extranet, CD-ROM or proprietary software solution.

5. What if I don’t have the time or budget for lab based usability testing?

You may want to try a heuristic evaluation. These 5 - 7 day projects are an excellent way of gathering feedback on a Web site or Intranet. Typically we have two specialists complete heuristic evaluations and base their findings on a standard set of "heuristics" or generally accepted principles that apply to a well-built interface.

For more on our Lab Based Usability services or methodology feel free to contact us with any questions.