We support you with the user-based development of websites or online applications and advise you on issues relating to the conception, analysis and optimisation of your interactive products. Our fully equipped Usability Lab provides the ideal conditions for the performance of user-based evaluations such as usability tests, eye-tracking studies and focus groups. At the same time, thanks to our mobile infrastructure, we also have the option to perform tests directly at the premises of clients and partners and to test their products in their natural usage environment.

We assume the role of your users and provide you with new insights that enable you to develop websites and online applications that focus on user needs. In doing so, we provide the basis for attractive and useful products that enable you to develop and maintain long-term client relationships.

Our services aim to provide you with advice and active support at every stage of the product development process. From the initial idea, conception and design of a product to its technical implementation – we provide you with an appropriate solution that is individually tailored to your needs:

• Provision of consulting services for the selection of suitable evaluation methods
• Usability evaluations for websites and web-based applications
• Provision of support during the conception, design or redesign of interactive products
• Renting of the laboratory and the associated equipment (including eye trackers)

Using scientifically-based methods, we analyse the strengths and weaknesses of your interactive products. In doing so, we help you to avoid expensive undesirable developments and to optimise the user experience of existing products.

For more information on the issue of usability and user-centred design, please also visit the website of the Swiss Competence Centre for the Evaluation of Online Offers (CHeval).

Premises

The Usability Lab has been integrated in the Service Innovation Lab (SIL) of University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons and its premises. The Usability Lab therefore benefits from the modern infrastructure of the SIL, including a one-way mirror for observations as well as flexibly configurable furnishings that allow for the replication of various test environments.

Eye-tracking systems

Eye trackers are systems that allow us to precisely record where exactly users are looking at a particular time. This allows for it to be objectively determined where, for how long, how often and in which order users view the various elements. The Usability Lab of University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons possesses various eye-tracking systems that allow for the investigation of eye movements for various (interactive) products in a range of environments:

• Screen-based applications (e.g. websites, software)
• Applications for mobile devices (e.g. tablets, smartphones, e-readers)
• Real objects (e.g. posters, signposts, supermarkets)
• Virtual reality (VR) applications (VR environments)

The laboratory possesses the following four eye-tracking systems from Tobii, the world’s leading provider of eye-tracking solutions:

• Tobii Pro T60XL screen-based eye tracker: this system is integrated in a high-resolution 25-inch monitor that can display broad and detailed stimuli.
• Mobile, compact Tobii Pro X2-60 eye tracker including mobile device stand: this compact, research-proven system is ideal for studies conducted outside the laboratory. The mobile device stand allows for eye tracking for smartphones, tablets and other devices.
• Glasses-based Tobii Pro Glasses 2 system: eye-tracking glasses that are perfect for studies in natural environments. The ultralight design and live-view functions allow for insights in real time.
• VR-glasses-based Tobii Pro VR Integration system (retrofitted HTC Vive): HTC Vive VR-glasses with incorporated eye-tracking system from Tobii that allows for the tracking of eye movements in virtual environments.

Technical infrastructure

The Usability Lab also has additional hardware, including HD webcams and camcorders as well as the «Mr. Tappy» device stand for mobile test devices for the recording of user behaviour. Its equipment also includes high-quality microphones (directed, interface) and a mixer for audio recordings. For its recording and analysis activities, the laboratory also has access to various software packages, including TechSmith Morae, Camtasia, Tobii Pro Studio, Tobii Pro Lab, Balsamiq Mockups, Axure RP and Silverback app.

Institute

The Usability Lab is assigned to the Swiss Institute for Information Science (SII).