Introduction to Usablity Test Facilitation - Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Define and Refine User Interfaces - page 134

explicitly mention that fact. If the session is being videotaped, the form should explain what the tape
may and may not be used for. However, just because users receive the consent form doesn't mean
they will read it, so the facilitator should go over this information when the users arrive for the session.
(The next chapter contains some sample wording.)
Although the informed consent is a legal document, it shouldn't be written using legal jargon. Write in
plain English so that users can form an accurate picture of what the session will be like and what's
being asked of them. Figure 8.1 shows an example of an informed consent form. A document
containing the most recent version (I keep evolving it as I learn more) is available on
www.paperprototyping.com .
Figure 8.1: Sample Informed Consent Form.
Nondisclosure Agreements
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to ask users to sign a nondisclosure agreement
(NDA). An NDA is a legal document that prohibits participants from discussing what they saw in the
usability test unless or until your company makes that information publicly available, for example, by
announcing the product. NDAs are typically used when the product is new or undergoing substantial
changes and the company doesn't want to leak the details. But in practice, many companies don't use
an NDA for usability testing because there is little risk of anything bad happening if users discuss what
they saw (make sure your recruitment process screens out any competitors), and sometimes the
company even considers it a benefit if test participants start spreading the word. Discuss the need for
an NDA with your Legal or Marketing department, or other powers that be.
If your company has a standard NDA document, it'll likely be more complicated than what you need for
usability testing—most NDAs are written for contractors or companies who are potential business
partners. Participants in usability tests don't receive proprietary materials such as functional specs or