This paper discusses the return on investment (ROI) implications of integrating formal usability testing methods into web development projects. Online and traditional lab-based approaches are discussed and compared for their respective strengths and weaknesses.

The white paper provides detailed technical descriptions of current online usability testing methods and draws conclusions about the future of this important new customer response testing methodology.

It includes a comprehensive trade-off matrix useful in making decisions about important technological approaches and research benefits.

Professional usability testing and return on investment as it applies to user interface design for web-based products and services (a review of online vs. lab-based approaches) (PDF)