Remote Usability Testing

Remote usability testing works much the same way traditional usability testing works; an experienced moderator will work one-on-one with one of your users exploring the functionality of your website. The key difference between remote usability testing and traditional usability testing is that with remote usability testing the moderator and the end user not need to be located in the same geographical place.

Using specialized web-based software, our experienced moderators can connect with your users anywhere in the country. Why is this important? Well, it doesn't make sense to recruit users from only one geographical location if your users are coming to your website from all over the country. Users in New York City will almost certainly behave differently than users from Holly Springs (a small town in NC).

What are the advantages of remote usability testing?

Much like traditional usability testing, remote usability testing can help you answer any (or all) of the following questions:

• Do users like your website?
• Are there parts of your website that users find frustrating?
• Are there parts of your website that are slowing users down?
• Where do users make the most mistakes on your website?
• Are users leaving because they cannot find what they're looking for?

However, remote usability testing has two key advantages over traditional usability testing:

• Flexibility - Remote usability testing allows us to connect with your users anywhere in the country.
• Environment - Users are generally tested in a more naturalistic environment using the hardware & software they would actually use when visiting your website.

What are the disadvantages of remote usability testing?

Like all testing methodologies, remote usability testing is not appropriate in every case. Remote usability testing requires users to have a moderate level of computer expertise and may alienate some users. Elderly users, for example, tend to distrust the process of remote usability testing. Inadequate hardware or software is also sometimes a concern.

Let us help you decide

Unsure about remote usability testing? Let our seasoned usability team help you decide if conducting a remote usability test is right for you or your company and situation.

Contact us for more information about how remote usability testing might help your company increase customer satisfaction, while reducing costs and meeting business objectives.