In the previous sections, we have described a traditional, moderated usability test that happens in a lab. There are variations on this, that make usability testing more flexible as a research method:
- Moderated remote usability tests: Usability tests can be conducted remotely, where participants are at their own computers. The facilitator cannot observe or ask questions as effectively, but if you do not have time or a budget to set up a formal test, or participants are geographically dispersed, this is an option. A combination of video conferencing software (such as Skype, Hangouts, or FaceTime), email, and chats are used to view the screen and communicate with the participant.
- Unmoderated usability testing ...