Arranging Sessions at a User's Site

Taking your usability test on the road requires some special planning because the logistics are not trivial- The steps to planning are shown in Figure 6-1. If you are doing testing in the user's workplace, you must get permission of the management there to do the testing (as well as for installing anything on their systems, if that is necessary). Once you do that, you may be able to get help with recruiting participants from the manager who gave you permission. Exercise caution with this approach, however, keeping in mind that the manager probably will be biased in her selections. There may be company policies about whether participants can take part in a test during the regular workday and whether they can accept honoraria, incentives, or compensation for the time they spend with you.

Next, you must get permission from the participant, make an appointment and ensure that the participant understands the purpose and format for the session. You should have a short conversation with the participant by phone before you visit the person to confirm the appointment, explain the study allay any fears she might have, and answer any questions. Be sure to tell the participant generally what you will be doing during the session, whether there will be others with you, and whatever else you might need at the participant's location to make the session worthwhile for both you and the participant Remember that you are a stranger entering this person's personal space] whether m a workplace or a home. For that reason, you should be organized