People are at the heart of global research. So what can a researcher do when COVID-19 prevents him or her from travelling and meeting users? The UXalliance organised a panel discussion with its partners, discussing how research methods can be tweaked for COVID-19

1. Global research
in a COVID-19 world
Webinar
First edition: 20 March 2020
Second edition: 30 March 2020

2. Agenda Overview
Introduction of who we are and why we are here by Frederic Gaillard - Axance - FR - 5 min
The last few weeks in the world of research led by Simon Herd - Sutherland Labs - UK - 5 min.
- Experience share | 5 min
A look at our research methods and workarounds
- In-lab & Focus groups led by Annemieke van Ruiten - Assist Digital - Italy
- Discussion
- In-field & Immersions led by Helga Stegmann - Mantaray - South Africa
- Discussion
- Remote testing led by Stefano Zanini - Assist Digital - Italy & Daniel TorresBurriel - TorresBurriel- Spain
- Discussion
Tools and workarounds for research by Frederic Gaillard - Axance - FR - 5 min
- Experience share | 5 min
Conclusion (Tjeerd - 5 min.)

3. The global network
for user experience
Since 2005

4. Our coverage

5. Mutual therapy time - The last few weeks in the research
Image credit - https://medium.com/taskworld-blog/how-to-coach-your-team-through-5-stages-of-grief-14807a16e48b

6. Our options
No development
at all
Developments go on hold for
the duration of Covid-19
(however long that is)
Result
Idle teams for undetermined
time
Targeted benefits not
achieved
1 No user
involvement
Products & services continue
to get developed with no user
involvement
Result
Sub-optimal products &
services and wasted
development time that lasts a
product lifetime
2 3 User involvement
adapts
We continue to involve users
We remember, people are
living through Covid
We learn from each other
about what works and we
become more flexible and
(physically remote) in
methodology
Result
Products are better and our
methods continue to evolve

7. What we’ve learned from each other recently
We can continue to involve users in projects
We shift more towards remote research and learn from each other
We remain flexible
We stay aware of any covid affect on how we do the research
We educate peers about what’s possible

8. Adjust your research methods

9. In-lab & Focus groups - Annemieke from Assist Digital

10. In-Field and Immersions - Helga from Mantaray

11. In-Field and Immersions
The new normal...Paris

12. In- Field and Immersions

13. Remote testing - Stefano from Assist Digital
Gotomeeting
Zoom
Skype
Validately
Lookback
App Quality
Loop 11
Optimal workshop
Noldus Face Reader
UserTesting.com
UserTribe
User Zoom

14. Tools and workarounds for research Frederic from Axance
Direct contact must avoided
No shaking hands or cheek kissing.
Keep distance from the moderator and/or
other participants (preferably 1 meter).
Use disinfectant wipe down area where you
will be sitting.
Wash hands before entering with soap and
water.
Offer gloves to help person not touch
surfaces that others may have touched.
Keep tissues and wipes handy.
Precautions with participants
Check and refuse participants that come from /
or visited “outbreak” restricted areas in the past
two weeks before the research, eliminate
high-risk participants.
-> We have built Covid-19 screening
questionnaire to pre-qualify participants
On-site protocol: inform participants of the
safety measures taken before proceeding with
study.
Refund the costs for taking a taxi or using own
car and reduce the use of public transport to
travel to the test lab.
Precautions with observers
Recommend remote observation
Arrange for online noticeboard or chat to
collaborate on observer note and
comments
in-lab sessions

15. Tools and workarounds for research Frederic from Axance
Internet access
(for everyone: 6 locations)
Check internet connection for each location
(a wired connection strongly recommended)
+ send Mifi with LTe in case of low bandwidth
of congestion)
“Anything that can go wrong ...will go wrong”
(Murphy’s Law)
Technical set up
Check the participant’s webcam
Check access to the videoconferencing tool
(managed by the project manager, 15 min.
before the session)
Test on mobile device: a software is required to
view the participant’s screen (e.g; lookback)
Interpreter: internet bandwidth is critical (to view
session and stream translated)
-> 2 PC recommended
Misc.
Plan more time between sessions (to allow
for technical issues)
Must be in a quiet room (no children,
street noise, dogs...)
Natural light
Remote moderated sessions (6 different locations)
6 locations: moderator, participant, note taker, project manager, interpreter, observer

16. Conclusions - Tjeerd from User Intelligence
Sharing experiences helps to adapt to the COVID-19 world.
And a webinar can bring a research community together!
The situation is changing rapidly, and we are learning every day.
So we will continue to share our experiences: articles, webinars, etc.
Follow us on www.LinkedIn.com/company/UXalliance
or visit www.UXalliance.com for more information.

17. Our UXMasterclass 2020: our 16th edition this fall in Mumbai