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

Upcoming Events

2019 Oct 23

URC Brown Bag Fall Series: Digital Accessibility Policy

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Lamont Library Room B-30

Join us for a presentation about Harvard University's Digital Accessibility Policy presented by Kenton Doyle, Director, Harvard Web Publishing, and Kyle Shachmut, Program Manager, Digital Accessibility Services, HUIT.

Details:

Everyone has a role to play in making Harvard’s information accessible. Learn about the policies, practices, and services available at the University for improving digital accessibility. Find...

Read more about URC Brown Bag Fall Series: Digital Accessibility Policy
2019 Oct 25

UX Drop-In Office Hours

Repeats every week every Friday until Fri Dec 13 2019 except Fri May 24 2019, Fri May 31 2019, Fri Jul 05 2019, Fri Aug 30 2019, Fri Sep 06 2019, Fri Oct 11 2019, Fri Nov 08 2019, Fri Nov 29 2019.
10:00am to 12:00pm

Location: 

User Research Center, Lamont Library Room A-10

Working on a project related to usability or accessibility? Want to chat about issues related to UX research and design? Stop by the URC’s UX Drop-In Office Hours to discuss what’s on your mind with Dorian Freeman (11/1, 12/13), Tim Murray (10/18, 10/25, 11/15, 12/6), or Amy Deschenes (11/22). These office hours are informal discussions to answer quick...

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2019 Oct 30

URC Brown Bag Fall Series: Creating Engaging Content

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Lamont Library Room B-30

Join us for Creating Engaging Content presented by Amy Deschenes, Head of UX & Digital Accessibility, Harvard Library, and Enrique Diaz, Designer/Multimedia Specialist, Harvard Library.

Details:

Looking to make your digital content more user-friendly? In this session we will introduce you to content strategy techniques and best practices for creating more engaging web content. Topics will...

Read more about URC Brown Bag Fall Series: Creating Engaging Content
See calendar