Usability tests are an excellent way of discovering problems with a product or service. Commissioning a dedicated usability lab will provide a high degree of scientific rigour but obviously comes at significant cost. Instead of a single academic evaluation, why not bring your testing in-house and run it alongside your design and development process? Two or three quick-and-dirty usability tests will not only provide better results but will also allow you to iterate your design between tests, ultimately leading to a more refined product.

Usability testing needn't cost the Earth. In fact, there's no need for all that expensive equipment, a dedicated lab and or even expert evaluators. It's entirely possible to run a test at your own office, a cafe or even your test participant's home.

Who?

This training course is taught by Clearleft's Creative Director, Andy Budd. Andy is the creator of Silverback, the popular usability testing software for designers and developers.

When?

The workshop will take place on Friday, November 28th, 2008 from 9:30am until 5:00pm.

Where?

28 Kensington Street is in the heart of Brighton's trendy North Laine, within easy walking distance from the train station.

How much?

Places costs £345+VAT per person if booked before October 17th. After that, workshop places will cost £395+VAT per person.

Places are limited to keep the workshop nice and intimate.

Book now

We’re delighted to announce the launch of Silverback, the new ‘guerilla’ usability testing software from Clearleft.

Download your free copy at silverbackapp.com

Registration after the 30 day trial period is just US$49.95, and the best thing is we’re donating 10% of all profits to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund!

Look out soon for our a guides on how to usability test your websites, and get the most out of Silverback.

Stay tuned, and thanks for your support!

The Clearleft team
clearleft.com

PS — Get the news first by following @silverbackapp and @clearleft on Twitter!

Thanks to everyone who replied to our request for Silverback beta testers. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response!

Today we sent out the first round of beta invites. If you requested one but haven’t received one, don’t worry — we’ll keep your name on our list for when we need more testers.

Thank you once again, and remember to watch this space — you’ll be hearing more about Silverback soon!

Sophie
—
Silverback Project Manager
Clearleft Ltd.

PS — Get the news first by following @silverbackapp and @clearleft on Twitter!

We’ve been hard at work alpha testing Silverback for the last few weeks, and now we’re ready for some beta testers to give it a whirl.

So, would you like to have a go?

Firstly, you’ll need to be a Mac user — this app is for Macs only.

Also, you might want to know a little bit more about what you’ll use Silverback for. It’s a nifty little app that lets you run your own guerilla usability tests really easily. Whether usability testing has been too much effort in the past, or whether you’re a usability wizard, Silverback is for you.

You can test your websites anywhere, without having to lug microphones or video cameras around. You could pop into Starbucks with your Macbook and run a usability test with a click of your fingers. You’ll keep your testers happy too — no need to wave a camera in their face or keep the microphone close to hand. In fact, for them it’s no different to using the web as they would anyway.

Sound good? Just drop an email to beta@silverbackapp.com and we’ll be in touch. Places will be limited at first, so don’t delay!

Please only respond if you’re happy to send us feedback. Everybody will get a free trial after launch, but for now we really need people who want to help us make sure it’s ready for the big time.

Lots of love,

The guys and girls at Clearleft

PS — Get the news first by following @silverbackapp and @clearleft on Twitter!