Make Introductions

Introduce yourself, of course, and anyone else whom the participant is likely to encounter during the usability test. You need not go into great detail about people's backgrounds; just a passing reference to the function of each person is fine. For example, you might say, "That person over there will be managing the recordings," or "That person over there will be keeping track of time to ensure that I let you go on time." New volunteer the fact that any person associated with the test or observing in the same room has worked on the product that the participants will be testing. Of course, if a participant asks (hardly anyone ever does), then by all means tell the participant the truth, but do not volunteer that information. The reason for this is simple; you want the

participants to feel absolutely unencumbered about providing any negative feedback. Associating real people with the product only makes it that much more difficult for participants to be honest.

As test moderator, include yourself in this "non-association" guideline if you are affiliated with the product. (Ideally, you will not be affiliated with the product.) Explain your role as the person who will be moderating the test, observing, and taking notes. If you are not affiliated with the product, then play up the fact that you are a neutral observer. If you will be moderating the usability test in the test room, then explain exactly what you will be doing during the test.