Welcome to the
User Research Center

What We Do

The User Research Center (URC) at Harvard Library is Harvard's premier lab for user-centered design, digital accessibility, and testing. The URC is located in Lamont Library A-10, just one floor down from the Lamont Cafe. View detailed directions for finding the space. 

Facilities & Technology

We provide the space and tools for you to test the user experience of your digital products. The lab supports methods like interviews, prototype reviews, usability testing, and accessibility testing. The lab is available for booking or we offer equipment you can borrow to run tests anywhere.

At the URC you can:

  • Get advice from experts on best practices in UX.
  • Attend learning opportunities like workshops and webinars.
  • Consult with experts on usability and digital accessibility projects.
  • Recruit from participant pools of Harvard students and assistive technology users.

View photos of the URC

Collaborators

We work closely with teams from Harvard Web Publishing and Digital Accessibility Services. 

Upcoming Events

2020 Feb 26

URC Spring Brown Bag Series: Screen Reader Demo

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Lamont Library Room B-30

Join us for a Screen Reader Demo presented by DeAnn Elliott, Accessibility Testing Coordinator, Digital Strategies & Innovation, Harvard Library.

Details:

Screen readers are software programs that allow blind or visually impaired users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer. When developing software, screen readers are used to verify what the site impaired person is experiencing. Are we catching everything?

Join us for this screen reader demo with DeAnn Elliott. DeAnn...

Read more about URC Spring Brown Bag Series: Screen Reader Demo
2020 Mar 19

Library UX & Design Consultations

Repeats on the third Thursday of February, March, April, May until Thu May 28 2020 .
2:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: 

User Research Center, Lamont Library Room A-10

Are you a Harvard Library staff member with questions about user research, design, or digital accessibility? Drop by the URC or schedule a 30-minute consultation with Amy Deschenes and Enrique Diaz from Harvard Library Digital Solutions about your project. Consultations can take place in-person, at the URC or via Zoom meeting.

We’ll be in the URC every 3rd Thursday from 2-4PM. Upcoming consultations will be held on Thursday February 20th. Drop by or email amy_deschenes@harvard.edu to schedule an online meeting.

If...

Read more about Library UX & Design Consultations
2020 Apr 16

Library UX & Design Consultations

2:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: 

User Research Center, Lamont Library Room A-10

Are you a Harvard Library staff member with questions about user research, design, or digital accessibility? Drop by the URC or schedule a 30-minute consultation with Amy Deschenes and Enrique Diaz from Harvard Library Digital Solutions about your project. Consultations can take place in-person, at the URC or via Zoom meeting.

We’ll be in the URC every 3rd Thursday from 2-4PM. Upcoming consultations will be held on Thursday February 20th. Drop by or email amy_deschenes@harvard.edu to schedule an online meeting.

If...

Read more about Library UX & Design Consultations
See calendar