Noldus Information Technology

How to use The Observer and uLog for human-computer interaction research

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research refers to the process of understanding and identifying the way people use computer technology and tools (e.g. software, web sites). By mapping this interaction and applying the acquired knowledge, user-friendly interfaces can be designed and improved. For that purpose, mouse and keyboard use can be recorded, as well as interesting actions of the user, such as verbal expressions. This can be accomplished by using The Observer® XT and uLog™.

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application_note_observer_hci_screen.pdf	1.09 MB

How to use The Observer XT in usability testing

To ensure efficiency in your usability studies, you need to give feedback to the development teams rapidly. At the same time, presentation of you results needs to be convincing to prevent that all efforts of recruiting test persons, setting up facilities, and testing are wasted! Since development processes often take place under time pressure, project leaders are generally unfavorably disposed towards delaying product releases due to the need to implement usability improvements. If you want your voice to be heard, you need hard evidence of the issues of improvement you found and you need it fast. That is exactly what The Observer® XT can do for you.

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application_note_observer_usabilitytesting_screen.pdf	132.48 KB

How to use The Observer XT with eye tracking

It is often the combination of behavioral data with other data modalities, such as physiological data, that makes research most valuable. That is why using The Observer® can take your research to a higher level: it offers fl exible integration of your logged events with other modalities such as eye tracking data.

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obsxt_eyetracking.pdf	578.61 KB

How to use The Observer XT for consumer behavior research

Understanding consumer behavior is essential to create successful products. Surveys can generate valuable information, but they are susceptible to bias, for example because respondents give socially desirable responses. To better predict your product potential, observation of consumers in
specific situations is indispensable. This leaflet shows you how The Observer® XT facilitates the study of consumer behavior, and helps to increase the quality and efficiency of observational research.

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application_note-consumer_behavior.pdf	140.02 KB

How to use Theme in psychology research - autistic behavior

In what aspects exactly do children with a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), like autism, contrast with their peer group? Are there, for instance, differences in the level of organization of their behavior? Willemsen-Swinkels and her colleagues of the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands, addressed the latter question and compared the behavior of children with a PDD with that of normally developing children. The researchers videotaped 82 children (PDD and non-PDD) in a 40- min semi-structured playroom session after separation and reunion with one of their parents. The behavior of child and parent was coded from videotape by means of The Observer.

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theme_psychology.pdf	124.01 KB

How to use Theme in sport research - Soccer analysis

Would the outcome of the World Soccer Championship 2002 have been different if the coaches had used T-pattern analysis to study performance? Andrew Borrie and his colleagues do not answer this question in their paper on T-pattern analysis in soccer matches. However, the investigators of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences in Liverpool did highlight the potential of this kind of analysis as a tool to support soccer coaches.

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theme_sport.pdf	136.88 KB

Using The Observer to design usable forms for demographic surveys

Lorraine Ann Randall (Washington, DC, U.S.A). The U.S. Bureau of the Census collects general demographic and economic information, using censuses and surveys. These surveys are done either using paper or software forms.
Both types of forms have to meet high standards in terms of comprehensibility, accessibility and clearness. During an exploratory usability test, the test subjects are observed while completing a questionnaire. The Observer Video-Pro is used to record behavior on video and for the analysis afterwards.

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pu_usab_randall.pdf	126.21 KB

How to keep train loading on track: Shell improves ergonomics with help of The Observer

Ilse Houting, Cees van Eijsden and Harrie Rensink (Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Hose handling, opening and closing manholes, turning switches and coupling railway wagons by hand: this is all heavy work, and the physical load of the so-called 'movement operators' who do this job, is an important concern for their companies. The aim of this study was to draw up and justify possible plans to optimize their work situation and reduce their physical load.
The pysical load of the 'movement operators' was assessed by use of a Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA). The methods for HTA are interviews with workers and management, and observation of actual operations. Observations were performed using both The Observer Mobile (with a Psion Workabout handheld computer) and The Observer Video-Pro.

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pu_usab_houting.pdf	298.31 KB