When I do UX research for startups, I try to make it easy for teams to observe from anywhere, while demonstrating they don’t need a fancy usability lab to do it themselves. Having conducted over 200 UX research studies for GV companies, I’ve come to rely on a simple setup that’s inexpensive, and flexible enough for testing mobile and desktop prototypes in-person and remotely. This isn’t the result of an extensive software and hardware review. This reliable combination just fits my needs really well. After demonstrating and describing this setup countless times, I’m finally documenting it here.

Mobile

What you’ll need

GoToMeeting¹

MacBook

USB webcam

USB conference mic (optional)

IPEVO HD document camera

IPEVO Visualizer app

Privacy screen for MacBook

App to keep your Mac awake (like Amphetamine)

Good WiFi

Setup for In-person Interviews

For in-person sessions, I manage everything from my MacBook. I use a USB webcam to give observers a view of the participant. I strongly prefer using a document camera instead of AirPlay, casting or mirroring or a mobile sled because it allows me to easily swap participants’ personal devices and my test devices under the camera. The document camera also captures participants’ swiping and tapping fingers.

Set up hardware like this:

Turn the MacBook so participants don’t get distracted by seeing themselves.

2. Launch Photo Booth. Select the USB webcam aimed at participant. [Or, instead of Photo Booth, just open two Visualizer windows with different camera views. (Thanks, @CallaghanDesign!)]

3. Position Photo Booth and IPEVO Visualizer on the MacBook as shown below. (Restarting the MacBook often helps my Mac recognize the multiple cameras.)

5. Start GoToMeeting and turn off “Attendees can view attendee list” and “Entry/Exit Chimes” so participants won’t be distracted by observers.

6. Start your interview and (with permission) press record!

Remote mobile testing

When I need to view and share mobile screens with participants I can’t meet in person, I ask them to install the GoToMeeting app on their personal devices ahead of time. Then at the appointed time, they join my GoToMeeting from their device, and I join from my MacBook. You can find instructions for participants here for Android and iOS. I can’t see participants’ faces, but sometimes I need the option to share mobile prototypes with remote.

Desktop

What you’ll need

GoToMeeting¹

MacBook

External monitor

External keyboard (I prefer Bluetooth to minimize USB plugs and cords.)

Mouse (I prefer Bluetooth.)

USB webcam

USB conference mic (optional)

Privacy screen for MacBook

App to keep your Mac awake (like Amphetamine)

Good WiFi

Setup for in-person interviews

For in-person desktop sessions, I manage everything from my MacBook, and create a desktop experience for the participant by giving them control over an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Set up hardware like this:

2. Arrange your displays in Mac System Preferences like this so participants won’t “lose” the pointer on the MacBook screen.

3. Launch Photo Booth on the moderator’s Macbook screen. Select the USB webcam aimed at the participant.

4. Open the window or prototype you’re testing on the external monitor for participant.

5. Start GoToMeeting and turn off “Attendees can view attendee list” and “Entry/Exit Chimes” so participants won’t be distracted by observers.

Showing “All Screens” will share (and record) the participant’s desktop and Photo Booth on the MacBook screen.

6. Start your interview and (with permission) press record!

I love the simplicity and versatility of this setup. I’ve used it for research sprints in my office, in startups’ conference rooms, in cancer centers, in doctors’ offices, in homes, in a truck stop, and even in a hotel room with a robot. Give it a try, and please add your suggested improvements in the comments.