Remote Usability Testing to Facilitate the Continuation of Research

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Health informatics
• Usability engineering

Background:

• Traditionally, usability testing requires participants and researchers to be in the same location.
• Recruiting participants can be difficult due to time constraints and social distancing concerns.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote usability testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the evolution of remote usability testing methods.
• To adapt an in-person usability evaluation for a mobile health (mHealth) application to a remote format.
• To accommodate participant needs and preferences for convenience and flexibility.

Main Methods:

• Adapted an existing in-person usability evaluation methodology for a commercial mHealth app.
• Implemented a remote usability testing approach.
• Focused on participant-identified convenient times to enhance accessibility.

Main Results:

• Successfully adapted in-person usability testing to a remote format.
• Met participant needs regarding time, convenience, and flexibility.
• Maintained research progress despite adapting to remote methods.

Conclusions:

• Remote usability testing enhances participant engagement by offering convenience and flexibility.
• This methodology reduces geographical constraints, facilitating broader participation.
• Adapting to patient-centered needs via remote testing supports continued research and development in mHealth.