[Sigia-l] Where Can You Rent User Testing Labs

[John O'Donovan]

> I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a free solution to accomplishing
> the communication needs of such a task. Rather than using voice
> conferencing, I use a text tool like IRC (Internet Relay Chat) in order
> to communicate steps to users and get feedback. For years I've used this
> tool for remote usability testing, and it has worked out beautifully.

Likewise Amy, I'd be interested in opinions on tools such as the following
three. These are tools developed around the needs of system administrators
but have great potential in the area of remote testing.

These tools are designed to allow you to view and control what is happening
on another computer

VNC (free and runs on most platforms)
http://www.uk.research.att.com/vnc/index.html

or

PCAnywhere (not free but an industry stalwart)
http://www.symantec.com/pcanywhere/Consumer/index.html

Solid encryption and authentication may be an issue if you are testing
something that requires you to deal with any testing where secrecy over what
you are testing and the results of these tests is important.

Another option I have been thinking about is Flash Communications Server
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashcom/productinfo/product_overview/

This allows real time communication of video, audio, text through a standard
webcam and the standard Flash MX player. You can monitor reactions and
prompt whilst the user is testing. I've also been thinking about this as a
support tool but that's a different conversation...

So perhaps some combination of the above with:

ISpyNow (client recording software)
http://www.ispynow.com/features.htm
Records keystrokes, mouse clicks, window names, etc...

CamStudio or Camtasia (screen recording software)
http://www.rendersoftware.com/products/camstudio/camstudio.htm
or
http://www.hallogram.com/camtasia/

would be a powerful set of tools.

Cheers,

jod