Joel Aufrecht provides instructions for setting up a tapeless usability lab. Many of the times I've done usability testing, I've set up a digital video recorder to capture the test. This has a few downsides: its a pain to set up, it can be bulky (we have a big tripod), and it can intimidate the users. By simply recording the screens, you can get around these problems.
On the other hand, I've only rarely bothered to go back and review the tapes I've made. I am able to gleen enough information through observation. If I needed "proof" when discussing an issue with another developer or client, then the topes/files might be useful, but so far this issue hasn't really come up much.
Posted by Karl
January 6, 2003 02:13 PM