Sell More Via the Web

Equip a quiet, private room with a computer and a video camera. Takeaway Tip: When running usability sessions, don’t use your T3 connection and Web designer’s gigantic display. To mimic reality, users should experience your site on a dialup or slow DSL using a regular-sized screen.

Have the moderator welcome each user and introduce the exercise. Let the participants know that you’re watching people use your site so you can make it better. The moderator should tell them he or she doesn’t work on the site, so they won’t feel uncomfortable sharing anything about the site they find confusing. Tell participants they’re being videotaped.