Differences in task descriptions in the think aloud test

Abstract

This paper analyzes and discusses the ways tasks are described and perceived in a remote Think Aloud (TA) usability tests session. The paper includes reports from a study and the problems encountered during a session of remote TA tests. The sessions were performed as synchronous tests, where the facilitator and observers received data and managed the evaluation in real time with a remote participant. It was done using a system with audio conferencing and remote application sharing. The analysis and discussion include both a task description perspective and a cultural difference perspective and hereby adds to existing knowledge of usability testing. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.