There are several ways in which a software testing company can arrange the furniture and hardware inside of a testing room to conduct software testing of a different type (mobile testing, web site testing etc.) that would involve end-users’ help.
Simplified Single-Room Arrangement
This is the basic arrangement type and most economical at that as it involves the minimum equipment. In it, the participant sits in front of a testing computer with a moderator located a few feet from it. The observers are sitting behind the user at a far end of the room. The moderator should remain in the user’s peripheral vision but not interact into user’s personal space.
Advantages:
- Moderator can control user actions;
- It created the atmosphere of team work.
Disadvantages:
- Moderator can affect the user’s actions;
- Little space for observers.
Modified Single-Room Arrangement
In this arrangement the participant sits in front of a testing computer with a PC web cam and a video camera next to the table. The moderator observes the user’s work at a viewing monitor located in the same room. The observers also sit in the same room.
Advantages:
- Moderator can move freely without destructing the user;
- The user feels not so tensed and not completely isolated at the same time.
Disadvantages:
- Little space for observers;
- The user can hear people doing something behind his/her back and cannot see it at the same time, which can make him/her feel uncomfortable.
Large Single-Room Arrangement
The user and moderator are sitting close to each other but due to the large size of the room, more observers can be present during software testing.
Advantages:
- The same as for the simple single room arrangement;
- The larger number of observers;
- More observers can note different information, so you have a better basis for analysis.
Disadvantages:
- Large number of observers need a training;
- The need for additional equipment;
- Observers will not be able to see the user’s mimic.
Electronic Observation Room Arrangement
The observers are located in the separate room and watch the user’s activity on the projector.
Advantages:
- The same as for the simple single room arrangement;
- Observers are free to move around not worrying about interrupting the user;
Disadvantages:
- Moderator can affect the user’s actions;
- The need for additional equipment;
- Extra room necessity.
Typical Software Testing Laboratory Arrangement
The participant is working in the testing room, while the observers and the moderator supervise the work from the separate control room with a one-way mirror. Such an arrangement presupposes extra costs spent on it.
Advantages:
- No one can affect the user;
- It is possible to discuss the user actions without interrupting the user;
- The larger number of observers.
Disadvantages:
- All of the cameras should be accurately located, otherwise you risk skipping some of the user experience;
- Such an arrangement is costly.