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 Oct 29

URC Fall Brown Bag Series: Remote Usability Testing

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Online (Zoom)

Join us for a talk on Remote Usability Testing presented by Amy Deschenes, Head of UX & Digital Accessibility, Digital Strategies and Innovation, Harvard Library.

In this session we’ll talk about the basics of task-based usability testing and best practices for conducting user research remotely. We’ll share stories from recent user testing done via Zoom by the URC.

The presentation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM on Zoom. Zoom meeting information will be sent via email once you register.

...

Read more about URC Fall Brown Bag Series: Remote Usability Testing
2020 Nov 18

URC Fall Brown Bag Series: Hosting Accessible Remote Meetings

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Online (Zoom)

Details: When meetings and events are held remotely, digital accessibility is important to ensure that all attendees, including people with disabilities, are able to participate and engage with content at the same time, with the same ease of use.

With a little pre-planning, event hosts can structure an inclusive and functional environment for all participants.

This course will cover what to do before, during, and after the event. 

  • Before: communications & materials 
  • During: captions, presenter strategies & collaboration...
Read more about URC Fall Brown Bag Series: Hosting Accessible Remote Meetings
2020 Dec 02

URC Fall Brown Bag Series: Using a Custom Subtheme in OpenScholar

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Online (Zoom)

Join us for Using a Custom Subtheme in OpenScholar presented by Maura Ferrarini, UX Designer, Digital Strategies and Innovation, Harvard Library.

Come learn how Harvard Library is using a custom subtheme in OpenScholar to build out departmental and program websites.We will walk through

  • how our design system influenced the look & feel of the theme
  • how we use GitHub to host and make enhancements to the theme
  • how our documentation and demo site can be used by content creators who want to implement the theme on their own...
Read more about URC Fall Brown Bag Series: Using a Custom Subtheme in OpenScholar
See calendar