UserVue has long been our tool of choice for moderated remote user research, but we’ve always kind of hated that we couldn’t use it internationally — instead, we like using LiveLook or GoToMeeting along with a phone tap and screen recorder (Camtasia or CamStudio). But if you’re going to take a stab at using UserVue internationally anyway, here is a step-by-step guide to show you how to do it.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Landline phone
- Computer w/ Skype and UserVue
- Microphone headset for the computer
- Twix brand chocolate bar
LET’S DO THIS:
STEP 1:
Download and register for an account.
STEP 2: Login to Skype and start a UserVue session, like normal.
STEP 3:
Click “Call” in UserVue.
STEP 4:
Put your desk phone number in as Your Phone Number put the Skype call-in number as Participant’s Phone Number, and then click “Dial”.
STEP 5: Have the first Twix bar (there are two in a package). You’ll need the energy for the next few steps.
STEP 6:
Pick up your desk phone when it rings, and then dial “1″ when the voice prompts you to do so.
STEP 7:
Answer the call in Skype. Your desk phone will be connected to your Skype line.
STEP 8:
Mute and silence the desk phone to avoid getting an echo. You won’t be speaking through it at all.
STEP 9:
In Skype, click Add Caller, and enter the participant’s number. If the built-in international line menu doesn’t work for any reason, then try setting the country to US and then typing in 011, the desired country code, then the participant’s number. Click Call.
STEP 10:
When the user picks up, begin the session. Direct him/her through the UserVue process as usual.
A WORD OF WARNING
Though it works and you can usually talk to your users just fine, there is a drop in the sound quality of the UserVue recordings. Also, the usual caveats apply when calling internationally with Skype, i.e. it drops out sometimes. You have been warned!