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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 inPrep Vantage Space

Sign into doris@dorisresearch.com account

Vantage Space login page

  1. Create Project
  2. Upload Floor plans
  3. Add numbers
  4. Test/Iterate

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

PreparePrep RAs People

Hire contract RAs as needed
Create materials for RA orientation
Training Materials

Training Materials

  1. Open <template>
  2. Adapt to fit the project needs
  3. Print and Assemble
Conduct RA orientation

Process:

DORIS people meet RA's to onboard them

Execute + Monitor

Conduct Usability Study

Start of Day Checklist:

  • Do you have your badge, name tag, DORIS shirt, etc?
  • Is Vantage Space working and loading properly?
  • You know who to contact in case of any issues...
  • Arrive to the location 15 minutes early

Walking rounds Checklist:

End of Day Checklist:

  • Save all responses in Vantage Space
  • Backup all data
  • Communicate any weirdness to DORIS lead

Check Vantage Space + RAs daily during the study

Finish

Thank RAs and document any information collected outside of Vantage Space

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