Remote usability testing of a confidential prototype
In these times of COVID, remote is the new normal in user research. While there are lots of specialised research platforms available, none of them are suitable when it comes to running a remote usability test for a ‘confidential’ mobile prototype!!
Some of the major hurdles are :
- How do you show your confidential prototypes to your participants remotely?
- How do you give control over your confidential prototypes to your participants remotely?
We have cracked this puzzle by repurposing a combination of two commonly available platforms/ apps — Vysor & Anydesk
Mirroring phone using Vysor
Vysor is a simple, easy to use mirroring app that lets you control any android phone from your computer.
First you need to enable developer mode on your phone and then connect it via a USB cable to the computer.
Voila! you can access any application prototypes on your phone from the computer
Enabling remote access & control of the prototype
Now it’s just a matter of handing over control of your computer to your participant via a Remote access tool. We have tried multiple applications but Anydesk worked the best.
- Free version available
- It’s fairly simple to use
- Supports Mac, PC, and phones
- Has an app for phones
The participant gets access to the moderator’s computer with the Anydesk remote access tool running on his mobile phone and can interact with the prototype on the phone.
On fieldwork day, the moderators gets on a video call with the participant, using any of the web conferencing services like Blue jeans, Google meet, etc.
Using the Vysor+Anydesk combo, the participant can access the prototype, while the moderator takes the participant through the required tasks.
Nothing beats running an 1:1 usability test session in a lab, with the participants sitting right across the table and observing them, but it is still far better than not running one!
