First Global Directory of Usability Labs launches

A new database of usability labs across the world has recently been developed by the Knowledge Communities Research Group (KCRG), part of the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University.

KCRG conducts research on methods and tools that facilitate the creative construction, sharing, and reuse of knowledge among diverse groups of people. The Usability Labs /Testing Centers database is just such an example, listing over 200 academic, research and commercial labs across the world. It is presented as both a standard list, organised by nation, but also as a Google Maps interface complete with zoom and scroll. Clicking on either the mapped icons or the list will identify the lab and allow the user to click directly through to the lab website - in multiple languages where appropriate. The at-a-glance format shows that North America's east and west coasts, plus north Europe have the vast majority of labs, with Japan, Australia and Asia making a respectable showing too.

"Initially, we invited labs we had identified through web searching; we now get several centers a week adding themselves through a link on the website," comments Ian Douglas, Associate Professor at the Learning Systems Institute. "Submissions go into a temporary database where an FSU researcher will verify that the entries are from legitimate usability labs that have a clear Web presence related to usability design. Once that's done they are added to the main database."

The labs database is a great resource for usability practitioners, researchers, and service users. But like any database it is only as good as the information that's in it. If you run or work at a usability lab that's not listed, please either get in touch with lead researcher, Ian Douglas (IDouglas@lpg.fsu.edu), at Florida State University or submit your lab's details directly to the database.

Associated Link: The Usability Labs and Testing Centers Database

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