Out of the box experience

Project: Out of the box experience
Tasks: Usability test of physical product, UXAlliance
Client: UXAlliance / Medical company

Out of the box experience medical device

A large manufacturer of medical devices in the US wanted to test the ‘out of the box’ experience of their product. They were interested in seeing if their target audience was able to unpack, install and use a specialized medical device. This device would allow hart patients to monitor their health at home and automatically send a status report to their physician.

To determine the usability of the product, tests were planned in various European locations. User Intelligence was asked through the UXAlliance to conduct the tests in the Netherlands.

Usability test

For this test we needed to recruit very specific participants (patients with an implanted heart device). We also had to create an environment in our lab that resembled a living room and made observation possible. Cameras were installed that made it possible to observe the participants while they unpacked and installed the device. One of the cameras was set up in such a way that it enabled us to observe the interaction with the device from up close.
To make it possible for the client to follow the tests live, a translator gave a simultaneous translation of the sessions (Dutch to English). During two days of testing, ten heart patients participated and provided valuable feedback on the usability of the product.

UXAlliance network

Close collaboration within the UXAlliance made it possible to quickly and easily set-up usability tests in different countries. One of our partners (User Centric) was responsible for the general organization of the tests. They made sure the test conditions were similar in all the locations (e.g. target audience and test scripts). Partners in the individual countries were responsible for providing the test facilities, take care of the recruitment, translations and moderation of the sessions. This ensured that local knowledge and expertise was used in preparing and conducting the tests.

For more information about the UXalliance, please visit www.uxalliance.com or contact us.