Beyond the Usability Lab

Chapter 5. Data Preparation

Data preparation is one of the most important steps in conducting an online usability study, yet it's often overlooked. It is easy to assume that all data are ready to be analyzed or there just isn't any time to clean up data prior to analysis. We have even been known to skip the data preparation phase because we are too excited to analyze data. Think of opening and starting up a brand new computer without reading any instructions. It might be more exciting, but it can also be a little risky.

After launching and receiving your data, we recommend setting aside at least a small amount of time for this additional step of preparing data, typically no more than a few hours. It will end up saving a lot of time and headaches ...