User testing – on-site or remote: What’s better?

User testing: on-site vs. remote

Differences & advantages summarized

Depending on the individual requirements of our clients, we conduct UX tests on site or remotely. Decision criteria can be the product (system) to be tested, the task, different language versions or the location of the test subjects.

On-site

On-site UX tests take place directly on the client company’s premises, at one of our valantic locations or in a usability lab at a market research institute. An experienced UX expert conducts the test with the respective test subjects. The client observes this from another room, accompanied by a second UX expert. Immediately after each test, the user’s challenges are discussed and suitable options for optimization are defined. Thus, at the end of the day, a common picture emerges for planning the next steps.

Advantages:  

• strong involvement of the client during the test
• direct and personal exchange on the day of the test
• fast decision-making processes

Remote

With remote testing, the tests take place remotely via video chat. For this option, access to the product should be provided and tested in advance. The guideline and the scenarios to be completed are geared towards remote execution. Live observation on the client’s side is possible without disturbing the test subjects. If the participant agrees, there is also the possibility to record the test.

Advantages:

• fast and cost-efficient
• location-independent
• ideal for internationally active companies

Regardless of whether you opt for remote or on-site testing: At valantic, we focus on you and your customers’ needs in accordance with the user-centered approach (UCA).

When does it make sense to carry out user tests?

The right test for every phase

At valantic, we work according to the principles of the UCA. This user-centered project methodology puts users at the center of everything we do. It is divided into five phases, which consist of different services.

Uthe user-centered approach in a nutshell

Depending on the goal, the project phase, and the status of the product being tested, UX testing can be done in the following three phases:

Discovery phase

At the beginning of a project, it is important to test the current status of the product. The goal is to get to know the needs, challenges and wishes of users. In this phase – also called the research phase – the goal is to identify possible improvements based on the test results.

Create-phase (or early delivery phase)
We want to test the first product versions with end customers right away. That’s why rapid prototyping tests are used in the creative concept phase. These can be carried out as follows:

1. Rapid prototyping test with wireframes
   Initial conceptual approaches are developed in the form of wireframes. For this, we define the strategic direction and the basic wireframe of the site or product. Via the prototyping test, we check the main functionalities and the overall understanding of the new product. Any bugs are uncovered at an early stage, and additional efforts are avoided ahead of time.

2. UX testing with high-fidelity prototypes 
   In the case of high-fidelity prototypes, the focus shifts even more strongly towards the user experience: In addition to the functionalities of the product, the joy of use is surveyed here. The decisive factor for this test is not only whether users understand the overall concept but also how they perceive the brand and the design.

Good to know: At valantic, we often offer both prototyping tests as a package. Because of the interactive optimization of the product, important questions and requirements are asked at an early stage. The result: an application that is as user-friendly as possible.

Conclusion

Do you want to conduct on-site or remote user tests to optimize the user experience on your website, in your online store, or in your app?