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
Client floor plans are located in PDF format in Box under the project's folder > 0 - Project Info > Client Floor Plans.
Accessing Client Floor Plans in Box
Most floor plans can be used as-is, however, very complicated floor plans need to be traced and simplified.
Plan
Prep Vantage Space
Sign into doris@dorisresearch.com account (login info is in LastPass)
*Note LastPass automatically populates the account info for the ra2 account, be sure to click the drop down and choose the doris@ account
- Create Project
a. Due to Vantage Space's setup, you will need to create a new Organization for each project. Hover over the dropdown menu in the top left corner and click Create New Organization. - Upload Floor plans
- Add numbers
- 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
Prep People
Hire contract RAs as needed
Create materials for RA orientation
Training Materials
Training Materials
- Open <template>
- Adapt to fit the project needs
- Print and Assemble
Conduct RA orientation
Process:
DORIS people meet RA's to onboard them
Execute + Monitor
Conduct Usability Study
<Link to RA Manual>
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