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OCLC policies : OCLC Usability Lab
OCLC Usability Lab: Explore the User Experience

The OCLC Usability Lab, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with usability software, eye-tracking devices and digital recording capabilities, is a contemporary, comfortable setting for both participant and observer.

Evaluate

OCLC Usability Lab Evaluation Room

In the Evaluation Room users participate in focus groups of up to 14 people or evaluate the usability of the product being tested.

Four video cameras, remotely controlled from the Control Room, provide complete coverage of the test users and target software during a usability evaluation, as well as all participants in the room during a focus group.

This room also contains an overhead projector, desktop microphone, three overhead microphones and ceiling-mounted speakers for both focus groups and presentations.

Control

photo: OCLC Usability Lab Control Room

In the Control Room, ULab staff, with over 25 years of experience, operate cameras and recording equipment to monitor every inch of the evaluation room.

A DVD of the session is included, and you may also pre-order:

  • A full usability evaluation or focus group report
  • Brief task analyses
  • Eye-tracking data

Any and all of these can indicate usability issues and possible improvements.

Observe

photo: OCLC Usability Lab Observation Room

In the Observation Room, clients can view the activities in the evaluation room on two 52” LCD screens. One LCD monitors what is being recorded on the DVD, including comments and facial expressions by users during a focus group or usability evaluation. The other LCD acts as a remote PC monitor, providing a larger view of any PC images displayed during the session. This monitor can also display real-time eye-tracking data.

Remote observers can listen and view the proceedings from anywhere in the world via two ClearOne speakerphones and the Internet.