research

Documentation techniques in interaction design

I am writing a master thesis in regards to using concept mapping to support interaction desing processes. I would like to know what documentation techniques are mainly used in interaction design and can they be used through all stages, such as research, design, development and production stages?

Maybe you could also recommend articles touching upon this topic.

Remote usability testing

Hi,

We're doing some usability testing for our new website with the current approach to be: think aloud in a lab with eye-tracking. I'm exploring some cheaper alternatives, and aside from doing it myself and recruiting people I've been looking at some remote usability testing.

I've been looking at usertesting.com, loop11, userzoom. Has anyone had much success with these and what would they recommend?

Qualitative Recruitment

I've been tasked with finding a vendor to conduct recruitment on behalf of a client for an un-moderated, online card sort. Vendor and card sort participants can be from anywhere in the country. Any suggestions or recommendations as to which firm(s) to contact? Thanks in advance!

ANN: Steve Portigal's new book-in-progress--The Art and Craft of User Research Interviewing

(Everyone, apologies for any duplicate postings you may receive. Here's the official announcement from Rosenfeld Media for my new book-in-progress. I'm so excited! /SP)

Interviewing users is fundamental to user experience work but, as Steve Portigal cautions, we tend to take it for granted. Because it's based on talking and listening, skills we think we have, we often wing it. Sadly, we miss out on many of the wonderful opportunities our interviews should reveal.