The Pocket Universal Methods of Design, Revised and Expanded

110	Time-aware Research

A moderated, remote testing method engaging a real person in real time, just as he or she is about to complete a task

• In contrast to traditional usability testing where tasks are preselected by researchers, time-aware research happens “just in time” to observe a task of interest.
• Live recruiting intercepts participants at the precise moment that they set out to complete a self-directed task, providing insight into how they accomplish goals.
• Using screen-sharing software, this method enables the usability test to occur within the context of an individual’s native environment or “technological ecosystem.”
• This is a more realistic process than lab testing, as participants can access information on websites, by email, ...