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If you haven’t been involved in a website testing session with us, you may wonder what exactly will be asked of you, particularly for those of you who may not feel comfortable using technology.
“Will I be tech-savvy enough to do what they’re asking? What if I get it wrong?” – these might be some of questions running through your mind.
We asked our Project Managers to tell us more about some of the previous sessions they’ve been involved with to prove to you how diverse our testing sessions can be, and expel any myths or worries you may have about getting involved!
As our Studio Manager, Owain knows more than anyone about what goes on inside the testing rooms! He’s always on hand at our User Viewing lab here in Bristol, making sure the sessions go without a hitch. Last year, we launched the hugely successful #MakeTheWebAccessible campaign, encouraging more companies and organisations to improve their digital products’ accessibility and build a more inclusive world wide web.
Owain has been involved with a lot of projects, but the one which came to mind when asked about website testing was his involvement in testing the accessibility of a charity’s website.
“One of our latest projects was to source participants to test the accessibility of a website related to charity. To ensure our wide variety of participants were comfortable, we offered them the chance to bring their own devices to test on. Not only would it allow them to use a familiar device, but they were also able to use their own specialist software (screen readers and dictation software, for example) during the session.”
The website testing was for those who would be likely to be using the charity’s 
website, and therefore not tech-savvy individuals like you may assume! It’s usually best to have a diverse range of technical ability when it comes to website testing, particularly when the website is for the general public and not a specific niche.
As Owain explains, “we have seen a rise in requests from our clients to recruit participants that have accessibility needs when it comes to technology – it’s a promising sign and it shows that companies are looking to make improvements to their products to ensure they’re accessible for everyone”.
“These projects do present challenges, especially when there are so many different accessibility needs that need to be considered, such as visual, hearing, cognitive and mobility-related impairments. We are really passionate with these projects and the feedback we receive from participants is always positive as they appreciate the positive changes we are helping to make.”
We do love a challenge here at People for Research, and we often get faced with tasks involving sensitive topics. One of our Project Managers, Ellie, was recently asked to recruit participants who were experiencing a situation that profoundly affected their lives: divorcing from their partners.
“Participants were required to view a website and provide their feedback. In return, not only was an incentive given, but their feedback would help improve the service and offer support to those who would be likely to require support going forward.”
“We were fully aware that, with such a sensitive topic, it would be hard to find participants willing to come forward. However, we made it very clear to everyone that, whilst the website covered sensitive and possibly emotional information, at no point were they asked to talk about their current personal situation. The questions asked during the usability session were based on the layout of the website design and content. It was also made very clear that any information they provided in the session that concerned them personally would at no point be published or used beyond the research itself.”
“All participants were made to feel very welcome, and were reassured at the start of the session they could opt out should they not feel comfortable at any point. Despite this, everyone contributed and the feedback from both client and the participants received was fulfilling.”
“We were very grateful to everyone; their feedback played a vital role to 
improve the service and which would lead on to potentially offering better support to those who could be affected in the future.”
If you’re able to get involved in these projects, they really can help others in your situation by encouraging changes and improving services. During a website testing session surrounding a sensitive topic, it is likely you will not need to speak about your personal experience – the researchers may simply need someone who has been through a particular process, or perhaps need to see how someone in a certain situation understands their website and the terminology used. You are their target market and therefore the very best person to give feedback and influence change.
Working with professional types can be a whole other ball game: recruiting entrepreneurs or business owners poses a completely new challenge. Luckily, some website testing can be done remotely, from home or work, which is particularly great for this type of project.
We were recently involved with an independently funded charity that offer grants and funds to people who are researching medical topics, typically postgraduates. As the Project Manager, it was Olivia who faced the difficult task of finding the right people to be involved in the website testing – “I had to be inventive with how I got hold of the right type of researcher”.
As Olivia explains, “the client was looking to involve PhD researchers, who are researching a topic related to health, to test an application process on their website. The aim of the research was to find out what type of grants people apply for. During the testing, the participant was required to go through the application process and feedback on it”.
Olivia says: “It went really well!”. Although those who took part hadn’t been involved in research before, their feedback was that they enjoyed it and would happily take part again.
Remember… The researcher wants their website to be easy to use for all. If you struggle during the session, this is a reflection on their website, not you! These issues help the researcher solve any problems for future users, and they’ll be nothing but grateful for your time, your feedback… and any struggles you may have!
To find out more about our paid website testing and other types of research, take a look at our Opportunities page to get started! If you are not a member of our online community yet, why not join PFR?