Introduction to Remote Testing

Remote Testing

One of the most exciting developments of the last 10 years is the evolution of technology platforms and panels that enable UX researchers to expand their research footprint outside of the lab. No longer is UX research confined to the safe and controlled environments that artificially recreate the places and spaces that people might use products. Additionally, guerilla testing or flights across the world are not the only options you have to get outside of the lab to see how people function in their own environments. Instead, you can launch usability tests that people can complete in their homes, on their own computers.

Now, you can run usability tests with larger groups of people – even statistically significant samples. You can find just the right people without setting foot outside of your office and use metrics to understand task success and user sentiment without spending hours moderating.

Both quantitative as well as qualitative testing can be conducted remotely. However, not all questions can be answered remotely, so it is critical to understand what can be done and how to create successful studies that will yield actionable findings.

Finally, remote testing is not confined to just usability studies. You may conduct card sorts, interviews, diary studies, and other methods that you can use to collect information across the product development lifecycle.

During this module, we will focus on how to translate tests you may have run in a lab to remote settings. In addition, we will discuss when it is most appropriate to do remote tests, and tips and tricks you can use to scope studies and identify findings.