[Sigia-l] Remote testing [was: Where Can You Rent User Testing Labs]

[Todd R.Warfel]

How do you see the information gathered from this method as being 
different (better/worse) than surveys?

What kind of compensating, if any, do you do to make up for the lack of 
real observation?

I understand the time/budget constraints, especially in today's 
economy. However, couldn't you get more reliable data from doing 
observations with friends/family that would yield better info?

The IRC thing sounds cool, but I'm a bit skeptical as to it's true 
value - especially considering the other options. Not to mention since 
the feedback is through a moderated medium, I'd speculate that you're 
going to lose some very valuable data. I can see its usefulness for 
very high-level indicating "red flags," but beyond that, I'd need to be 
convinced of its value.

Thoughts?

On Thursday, April 24, 2003, at 10:44 AM, Amy Kahn wrote:

> I agree with you here; on-site testing is generally best. However, in
> the interest of budget and time, this is a reliable, tested method of
> off-site testing. Different animal altogether.
>
> One more thing - using a tool like IRC provides realtime feedback. As a
> user is completing a task, he is encouraged to comment then and there,
> rather than waiting for an exit interview. I see this as a huge
> advantage.

Cheers!

Todd R. Warfel

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