Observation studio boosts Cogapp's user-research and testing capacity
January 2007

Cogapp's recent transformation has involved more than a new name, brand identity and website, with the company offices also receiving a complete refurbishment.
 
One element of the refurbished office is a two-room user-testing studio for paper and screen-based testing of prototypes.
 
Testing sessions can be observed in real-time via a two-way mirror with a video projection of the screen and an audio feed. They can also be recorded, via software, for production of edited highlights.  The video recording software uses a picture-in-picture format to link what the user is doing with what is happening on the screen.
 
Along with the convenience that an in-house facility offers for our development teams, it also offers a valuable service for clients who can now participate in the testing of prototypes.  This participation is particularly valuable when a testing session is immediately followed by a group discussion.  With appropriate facilitation, these post-testing discussions generate shared insights and action points in a uniquely collaborative and time-effective way.
 
The facility launched with a session of four users testing graphic design prototypes for the British Museum website re-design.  These sessions were observed by five members of the client team, and two members of Cogapp's development team.  The designs under test were considerably improved as a result. 
 
With the company's commitment to user experience and user-testing, this will be a facility that gets plenty of use from hereon in.

For further information, please contact Rachael Rainbow