Usability tests are often conducted in a usability lab, although other arrangements can work, too, e.g., at your office or at the participant's office. A usability lab is a space designed to simulate a task environment and to facilitate observation and data collection. Instrumentation may include cameras, equipment to replicate a computer's video signal, video or auditory recorders, keystroke capture programs, and software for typing a log of ongoing observations.
A usability lab or suite typically consists of two rooms: A test room and an observation room. The test room simulates one or more settings for normal product usage. For the testing of productivity or business software, the setting is often simply a desk, an office chair, and a computer. Other possible simulated settings are a living room with a home entertainment system, or a couple of rows of airplane seating, or a store checkout stand.

The observation room enables a group of people to unobtrusively observe and discuss an ongoing test. Though participants should be informed that observers may be present, the observers are neither seen nor heard, and so the participant can better focus on the task at hand. This arrangement is made possible via one-way mirrors or closed-circuit television, or both.

The lab may also provide for separation of the participant and the test administrator. This is most useful in comparative studies, to prevent the administrator from inadvertently providing helpful cues to the participants. For a typical usability study, however, separation of the participant and test administrator is not as important.

UW Technology maintains a usability lab in the basement of Mary Gates Hall. The lab consists of two adjacent rooms, secured by key locks. A video camera in the test room can transmit to large television monitor in the observation room. If you wish to use the lab for your own usability study, email usable@u.washington.edu. Also ask about participant consent forms and current policies regarding storage of data from usability tests.