Usability Testing with a Paper Prototype - Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Define and Refine User Interfaces - page 148

Chapter 9: Usability Testing with a Paper Prototype
The previous chapter covered the basics of usability testing without regard to whether the interface is
being tested on a computer or as a paper prototype. This chapter discusses the variations in usability
testing methodology that are specific to the medium of paper.
The Test Facility
It's not necessary to have a usability lab to test a paper prototype—I've conducted more than 90% of
my usability tests in my clients' conference rooms. All you really need is a room with a door that can be
closed (to minimize distractions) and a table large enough for the users and the Computer to interact
with the prototype.
Tip You might not want to reserve your best conference room for usability testing—I've learned that
the fancier the conference room, the wider the table. Very wide tables make it hard for the
Computer and users to work on a prototype that's between them.
On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with testing a paper prototype in a usability lab if you happen
to have one. The biggest problem I've found with usability labs is that some are optimized for computer-
based testing—the rooms are small, or there's restrictive furniture (such as a kneehole desk) that
makes it hard for several people to gather around. If your lab lacks a large work surface, consider
getting a couple of inexpensive folding tables to use when you're conducting paper prototype tests.