Eliminating the lab: Designing a UX testing space to create a naturalistic setting

Designing a user experience testing environment to support both participant comfort and researcher needs has its challenges. Researchers from Ball State University’s Center for Media Design transformed an aging residential property near campus into a usability and user experience research lab with an authentic home environment.

Major tasks in the transformation included:

• Planning the layout and use of the limited space
• Retrofitting for adequate network access and equipment infrastructure
• Condensing equipment inventory across six different locations into one lab
• Designing several testing rooms to enable eye-tracking research while optimizing the user experience

Why is this important to research?

The finished lab allows the CMD to test cross-platform applications in a real-world setting of an ordinary (not simulated) living room and home office. For example, if testing an interactive television application, participants are welcomed into a living room with a couch, TV, and remote control. In addition to the UX testing and focus group capabilities, one unique aspect of the lab is the closed-loop cable “head end” system, which supports the creation and testing of fully interactive TV applications.

Benefits to a naturalistic environment include:

• Participants more comfortable throughout testing sessions
• Illicits better feedback from participants
• Offers a more inviting alternative to traditional lab space
• Better suited for our testing needs
• Better replicates a “true” user experience