The ‘new normal’ UX-lab
The end of the lockdown in Germany will come gradually and the ‘new normal’ will begin. In the past weeks, we switched our user research approaches to remote-testing only. However, as this method is not suitable for all products (e.g. physical user interface, high confidentiality, complex test setting, etc.), we needed to define measures that will allow us to conduct lab-based interviews and usability tests again and at the same time protect our study participants, clients, and our colleagues. We asked more than 600 study participants in Germany which measures would need to be in place for them too feel safe and increase their willingness to participate in a f2f interview. Read more about the results in our blog article How to safely start f2f research again after COVID-19 lockdown.
We implemented the expected basic hygiene measures in a hygiene plan, like washing hands, keeping the minimum distance, and regularly disinfect surfaces. In addition, we set up plexiglas panels at the reception. We also took advantage of our one-way mirror for spatial separation of test person and interviewer. Even though the separation of participants and moderator was of little relevance for potential study participants, we also considered the concerns and needs of our team. As this was an important measure for us, our IT team created a technical setup that makes it possible to separate moderators and participants but keeps them close enough to conduct a ‘new normal’ face-to-face interview through the one-way mirror. For testing with mobile devices, our team came up with an awesome idea – a pass-through drawer. Now, the moderator can prepare prototypes, websites, etc. or solve occurring technical issues on the mobile device and ‘hand it over’ to the participant without having to be in the same room.