We recruit 8-10 users in your target demographic. We observe these test users at our facilities as they use your site or your design mockups to perform realistic tasks.
We interview them during their usage about their difficulties and reactions. We produce a complete report with recommendations for improvements.
Benefits
Customer behavior using the application can be observed and compared across subjects (performing the same tasks)
Trained usability engineers can ask questions to illuminate sources of confusion during the test
Testing can focus on areas of concern for the client, using paper mockups, prototypes, or functional sites.
Limitations
Occasionally difficult to construct appropriate tasks in a laboratory environment, for applications which require very specific context of use
May be difficult to recruit testers for specialized applications
