1. Communication
During the planning phase of a usability study, we listen to the objectives, ask the right questions, and sometimes challenge
the answers. This may sound elementary, but asking the right questions and following up with insightful recommendations is key
to ensuring the right participants are recruited and the most accurate test plan is written.
2. Effective moderating
At Sharpe Insights, we know that the quality level of results gained from a usability study is only as high as that of the test
moderator. An effective moderator knows much more than how to ask questions or present tasks. Our test moderators are required
to learn the test interface inside and out - well enough to accommodate any possible last-minute changes in the interface or
objectives which may arise. We also believe that our innate sense of how to probe participants for additional comments, and when
to 'reel them in' when straying, are key elements to effective moderation.
3. Thorough analysis and insightful recommendations
Following the tests, we review the videotapes of the sessions to accurately document each click and transcribe all participants'
comments. This thorough examination of the test activity ensures the accuracy of our findings; and our subsequent recommendations
are based not just on the test data, but on our proven experience conducting usability studies.
What We Do
Sharpe Insights manages every detail of the testing process, including:
Researching and selecting an appropriate testing facility
Writing the questions to screen potential participants
Exploring all recruiting options and managing the recruitment of the participants
Writing the moderator's guide, which includes pre-task questions, task scenarios, and post-task wrap-up questions
Moderating test sessions
Filming test sessions
Analyzing test data
Our Deliverables
A comprehensive findings and recommendations report
Complete documentation of each user's clicks and comments made during sessions
Digital copies of all sessions
Some Optional Deliverables
An edited DVD including chapters to support each key finding
Mocked-up pages which integrate our recommendations
An in-person presentation of the findings and recommendations to your team
Our Timeline
From the kickoff meeting to the delivery of the final report, the average length of a usability study conducted by Sharpe
Insights is three weeks.
Your Budget Considerations
In addition to Sharpe Insights' fees for the above-mentioned services and deliverables, additional costs typically associated with
usability testing are:
Facility rental fees
Third-party recruiting fees (if needed)
Users' incentives for participation
Sharpe Insight's travel-related expenses (if needed)
Please
contact us for a complete cost estimate based on your specific needs.
