User-testers are members of the Wireless RERC Customer Advisory Network (CAN) with a variety of abilities in thinking, seeing, hearing, talking, Carrying and Handling, and mobility. They also have a variety of experience in using wireless products.

Following a 1-hour orientation session, each tester evaluates the usability of various features of their own wireless product over a 5-day Field Test period. Because glare, noise, and other situations can affect usability, testers are encouraged to evaluate their device wherever they go. Throughout the test period, they record their experiences in a daily diary and keep in regular contact with RERC staff.

At the end of the 5-day test period, each tester meets with RERC staff to review their diaries and their comments about the usability and usefulness of each feature of their wireless device.

Frequently asked questions about user-testing
Why do we evaluate products?
What products do we test?
Who tests the products?
Where are products tested?
How are products tested?

Why do we evaluate products?
We evaluate products to gather and share in-depth information on the experiences individuals with disabilities using various common features of wireless products. Information we gather is presented on this site to help you, the consumer, decide whether a particular feature might be important to you and how you might use it. This can help you in choosing your next wireless product. It can also help industry improve the design of future wireless products.

If you have experience using one of the products that we evaluate, we encourage you to add your own thoughts on its usability. You will also have the opportunity to review a product currently on the market that has not been evaluated through our user-testing. Combining these two approaches creates a forum for customers of all ages and abilities to share a wide variety of wireless experiences and to learn from those of others. (return to top)

What products do we test?
Each user-tester evaluates the usability and usefulness of their own wireless product, using a standardized procedure. The intent is to focus on features and functions common to many products, rather than the design of a single product. Testers’ own devices may include simple cell phones, smart phones, text messengers, or a combination of these. They may be new products that introduce breakthrough technology, or very common products that are offered by many wireless carriers. (return to top)

Who tests the products?
Our product testers are members of the Wireless RERC Consumer Advisory Network who live in the Atlanta area. Each person lives with some difficulty in thinking; seeing; hearing; talking; carrying or handling; or walking; standing; or climbing stairs. Many of our product testers have more than one of these limitations. Eight people from 18 – 75+ years with diverse disabilities test each product. All product testers are paid for their participation.

All of our product testers have some experience with wireless products, and all understand the importance of sharing that experience with other customers with disabilities. Some consider themselves experts, and others use wireless products only occasionally.

To become a member of the Wireless RERC Consumer Advisory Network, you must fill out the Survey of User Needs and select the option to join at the end of the survey: http://www.wirelessrerc.org/for-consumers/survey-of-user-needs.html (return to top)

Where are products tested?
Our product testers evaluate products in their homes, at work, and wherever else they find themselves. We have found it especially important for people with disabilities to assess products in real environments and situations where they are likely to use them. Most wireless products are designed for use almost anywhere. Conditions like lighting and noise can make a big difference for any user, but especially one who has a disability. (return to top)

How are products tested?
Our testing procedure takes from 3-6 days, depending on the tester’s experience with the features tested. On the first day, product testers come to our lab to go over the test procedure. The test procedure includes some features and functions familiar to the user-tester, as well as some that they may have not used before.

On each of the test days, we communicate with the testers through their wireless product. We gather quantitative and qualitative data on a series of tasks that the product is designed to perform. In a daily diary, testers rate the usability of each feature or function from “easy” to “impossible.” We welcome their additional comments.

Throughout the test period, testers are encouraged to carry the product with them, use it freely, and keep notes of their experiences. After the test is complete, we meet with them again to confirm the data we’ve collected. (return to top)