Preparing the test environment.

Facilities.

Quiet, secluded and well-lit room (to achieve both good visual and audio recordings.)
Natural and comfortable. (Casual office setting? A conference room?)
A space where the participant can concentrate uninterrupted.
Large enough for the equipment and test crew.
Two adjoining rooms would be advantageous. One used as a reception area to put the participant at ease prior to testing. One used to administer the test.

Computer system (with Internet access).
Chairs.
Sufficient working surface for documents and paperwork.
Stop watch.
Pad and pens or pencils.
Optional laptop computer for logging data and taking notes if the Data logger/Note taker prefers one to pencil and paper.
Video camera(s). One aimed so that user's face is in profile and what is on the screen is clearly visible. Possible another camera aimed at the participant to record facial expression.
- Potential problems:
  - Glare from room lights or window. (Black plastic bags and tape can help block light causing glare.)
  - Poor viewing angle. The camera should be positioned so that it captures both the user's face in profile, what is on the screen, and the keyboard and mousing of the user. It can be tricky to obtain this angle, and you will need a tripod to do it.
  - Participants head blocks the screen.
  - Be sure to set recording levels carefully. Test your audio and video levels by recording a brief segment and reviewing it before your tests.
  - If the the video is extraordinarily dark or washed out, adjust accordingly.
  - If the sound uncomfortably high, or inaudible, adjust accordingly.
- Tripod(s).
- Video tapes.
- Labels for tapes.
Still digital camera and extra floppy disks to photograph the video set up and test environment.
Refreshments.