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 Nov 13

URC Brown Bag Fall Series: Accessibility for Content Strategists & Designers

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Lamont Library Room B-30

Join us for Accessibility for Content Strategists & Designers presented by Janell Sims, Associate Director, Online Content and Production, Harvard Law School.

Details:

Learn about getting buy-in and creating a process for incorporating accessibility into your work. Plus useful tips you can implement on your web content ASAP.

Space is limited....

Read more about URC Brown Bag Fall Series: Accessibility for Content Strategists & Designers
2019 Nov 15

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 01 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 (12/13), Tim Murray (11/15, 12/6), or Amy Deschenes (11/22). These office hours are informal discussions to answer quick questions or set a direction...

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2019 Nov 20

URC Brown Bag Fall Series: High Performance Teams & Psychological Safety

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: 

Lamont Library Room B-30

Join us for High Performance Teams & Psychological Safety presented by Claire DeMarco, Associate Director of Digital Strategies and Innovation, Harvard Library.

Details:

Working on public-facing digital products is hard - feedback can be harsh, scope-creep is real, and team tensions will rise. Join Claire DeMarco, Associate Director for Digital Strategies and Innovation for a conversation about core protocols and commitments that promote psychological safety for...

Read more about URC Brown Bag Fall Series: High Performance Teams & Psychological Safety
See calendar