You can find a quick run-through in this video (5:24), but make sure to fulfill all the guidelines outlined below.
Definition
Remote Usability Videos are a type of test also sometimes referred to as “Thinking Out Loud” videos. These feature a screencapture accompanied by your comments on all the steps and thoughts you have while you are testing. It is usually not necessary to show your face on webcam. In contrast to screencasts documenting Bugs, the Remote Usability Video is not about the presentation of single situations, instead it is a non-stop recording that portrays your complete testing procedure and all impressions you have.
The purpose of the video is to allow clients to see how their end users use and react to their website or app in a direct and unfiltered manner.
Here is an example of how a Remote Usability Video could look: https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.nngroup.com/media/editor/2014/08/18/thinking-aloud-demo.mp4
Preparation
Choose a software to record the video.
You can find a selection of appropriate software tools here.
Images and sound must be perfectly clear – no matter which tool you choose to record with.
The video has to be uploaded in a format that is supported by our platform: 3gpp, mp4, mov, webm, qt. If you want to use a different format you have to find a conversion program.
Please pay attention to software limitations. For example, recordings with Screencast-o-matic are limited to 15 minutes, other software sometimes crashes if videos exceed 25 minutes. Depending on the test you may upload several 15 minute videos instead of one very long one.
Does the microphone work? Does the recording of your screen work? Try it out with a short video about something else before doing the actual test.
Create a proper working environment: For example, be careful that the audio recording is not disturbed by background noise (TV, traffic).
Go through the tasks step by step. Please do not open the software you are testing until you have started the recording to make sure that your very first impression is being recorded.
Prepare all the required material like task descriptions and useful questions before starting the recording.
*These are general guidelines. However, individual tests can be exceptions and instructions by the Birdmasters overrule these guidelines in specific cases.
Recording
In order for us and the client to be able to use the video, it should comply with our quality standards. Non-compliance can result in your disqualification from the test.
Please speak loudly, clearly and formulate every single problem, difficulty and uncertainty to help others understand your statements.
Crowdtesting is not only about the negative aspects or difficult to complete tasks. Please also talk about everything that appears very comfortable and is simple to handle.
If you reach a point where you do not know what to do or how to proceed, don’t worry! You should also mention this in your video.
The video should show your clicks. In the article about different tools, you can find out how that works. If you are not able to visualize your clicks, you must describe exactly what you are clicking, tapping or doing otherwise in the test.
Throughout the entire testing process, keep an eye on whether the recording still works. Try to check it every few minutes, so none of your work is lost.
Perform the required tasks and answer the given questions.
Did you only have the task of describing your impressions of the app or website? Are you struggling with answering the questions? Here are a few additional questions you can answer in your video:
What are your expectations before clicking on a given element?
Have your expectations been fulfilled?
Which tasks can be carried out easily and what is complicated to do?
What are the aspects you like or do not like?
Where do you encounter problems?
Did you understand everything correctly?
Is some information open to multiple interpretations?
What features are you missing?
What confuses you?
Is there an obstacle you can’t overcome?
What kinds of feelings does the app/website trigger?
Finalizing your video
Save the video to your device and keep it for a few days after the test has finished to have a backup if needed.
Please be aware of the maximum file size you can upload for each test.
You should try to create a second version of your video if the file size of the original one is too big. Please do not delete the original recording!
A useful software to compress videos is Windows Movie Maker when using Windows. This software has an option called “Save for computer” which allows you to compress the video without affecting its quality.
Please upload the video to the given section and check if your test is complete. After that, hand it in.