Usability Study
The Usability Study is an opportunity to collect in-depth quantitative data about the workplace and how it is used today. DORIS looks for overarching patterns about when, where, and how people use their current workplace. DORIS collects data on the general activities within each space, the number of people, and what items people interact with.
- DORIS generally hires contract research assistants to conduct usability studies.
- A typical usability study occurs over the course of 10 business days or two weeks.
Not every research project includes a usability study; assessments do not include a usability study.
What to Expect in Usability Study
- DORIS researchers walk a set path through the workplace once every hour
- The usability study takes place during the workplace’s standard business hours over 2 weeks unless special days or time requirements have already been established with the leadership team
- Data is recorded at spaces including workstations, offices, meeting rooms, and common areas
- Between rounds of walking the path, researchers sit at a home base location
Start
Review client-provided floor plans
Most floor plans can be used as-is, however, very complicated floor plans need to be traced and simplified.
Plan
Set up the project in Vantage Space
Conduct usability walkthrough on-site
- Note any changes to the floorplan or points
- Update Vantage Space to reflect changes
- Assign points to RAs
Gate: Review and finalize Vantage Space setup