What We Do

Founded in 1975, we are a leading provider of science-based human factors research focused on UX optimization and product development. Below is a brief listing of our human factors testing methodologies. We are a formal development partner of iMotions and have validated our testing methods for stability on the iMotions platform. Our clients include many leading high-tech entities, leading NGOs, and government agencies. We have received awards and citations for human factors/design research from NASA, ACM, HFES, IDSA. Our expertise also includes extensive experience in intellectual property litigation and related IP frameworks. Feel free to contact our research team for further information. For expanded content please visit our Corporate website.

Mauro Usability Science: Validated Testing Methodologies Applied To Complex Product Usability and UX Optimization Problems

• Neuroscience-based Metaverse and VR/AR User Engagement and Usability Testing: MUS has a long history of conducting complex user engagement research in virtual worlds, including screen-based and headset-based VR and AR metaverse applications. We conducted the largest virtual world longitudinal study in history focusing on the discovery and definition of complex behavioral factors and business variables extending over a one-year period. In this regard, we specifically conducted a detailed analysis of in-world device and object manipulation and primary and secondary purchase decision-making related to virtual products, avatar design, modification and manipulation, social group formation, displacement, and group problem-solving. Our research provided clients with ground-breaking insights on the relationship between virtual world brand engagement and engagement with branded products and services in the real world.

• Neuroscience-based Metaverse and VR/AR User Engagement and Usability Testing: MUS has a long history of conducting complex user engagement research in virtual worlds, including screen-based and headset-based VR and AR metaverse applications. We conducted the largest virtual world longitudinal study in history focusing on the discovery and definition of complex behavioral factors and business variables extending over a one-year period. In this regard, we specifically conducted a detailed analysis of in-world device and object manipulation and primary and secondary purchase decision-making related to virtual products, avatar design, modification and manipulation, social group formation, displacement, and group problem-solving. Our research provided clients with ground-breaking insights on the relationship between virtual world brand engagement and engagement with branded products and services in the real world.

• Neuroscience-based Product Feature Set Definition & Use Case Validation Methodology: MUS offers clients a validated neuroscience-based data capture system that is designed to provide robust and reliable data focused on identification and delivery of a validated core set of products use-cases and detailed feature sets. The structured testing methodology is designed to provide product development management and design teams with validated MVP use case structures and feature sets focused on the delivery of the most salient features that are likely to drive adoption and long-term product utilization. Utilizing a combination of product feature simulations and structured data capture, the methodology specifically identifies core feature sets that will have the highest emotional salience, desirability, value, and emotional resonance for the projected user groups.

• UX Research-Driven MVP Development: The business objective for this methodology is the structured identification of the minimum viable product (MVP) based on the most salient feature sets likely to positively impact acquisition and longer-term utilization. The MUS methodology is applicable for consumer product testing, medical device testing, and more complex system testing across different technologies and industries. MUS’ approach can be combined with targeted sampling to provide insights into the behaviors of users dependent on specific user profiles. The methodology utilizes proprietary data capture methods including but not limited to GSR, EMG, MFEA, High-performance Eye-tracking combined with robust peer-reviewed and validated ratings and scaling systems.

• Applied Cognitive Task Analysis (ACTA) Research: Many complex design programs today proceed without a robust and validated understanding of user needs. This leads directly to the design and production of features and entire feature sets in software and hardware products that do not meet the needs and expectations of critical users or purchasers of such systems. To directly address this complex problem, MUS has developed and validated a methodology based on ACTA that focuses on capturing robust data from potential users of a new system or users of a current system undergoing enhancement. The MUS methodology captures data from a targeted range of users utilizing a highly scripted and structured interview sequence comprised of three segments: 1) Task Diagram Interview 2) Knowledge Audit and 3) Simulation Interview. This specific MUS methodology is especially useful in capturing complex procedural data from highly skilled experts including surgeons, trading specialists, and other highly focused experts. The MUS methodology is focused on the alignment of the potential users’ mental model with new features and functions of the product under development. The ACTA methodology can capture highly reliable and insightful data through the application of high-density use case video simulations and other development stimuli.

• Specialized Wearable Comfort and Fit Acceptability Studies: The measurement and optimization of user comfort and device stability when interacting with all manner of wearable devices including wrist/arm and head-mounted products is a complex and challenging human factors research problem. Our research team has a deep understanding of the formal research literature and validation methodologies related to acute and chronic pain measurement and comfort optimization. We have developed and validated methodologies for measuring comfort and pain in a wide range of wearable applications including smartwatches, AR glasses, VR headsets, and, other complex combinations of all three platforms, We offer clients a range of testing modalities including short team comfort assessment and extending to longitudinal wear pattern and comfort analysis. We have undertaken major studies for leading wearable device development teams on a global basis. Our experience also extends to complex studies involving device fit and sizing for consumer populations.

• Development of Technology Based on Subjective Well-Being (SWB) Research: There is a great deal of formal discourse today related to the negative impact that new technologies have on those who consume and utilize such systems. It is a fact that business performance has been the driving force behind some of our most aggressive and successful technology-based products and social media systems. This singular focus has led to the development of product development methodologies that do not consider in any meaningful manner the SWB of those who utilize these products and services. Having seen this effect firsthand, MUS has developed and validated a specific product development methodology that structurally integrates leading SWB research into early product development. This methodology specifically focuses on the development and refinement of features and feature sets for hardware and software products that map to peer-reviewed research on SWB. In this critical regard, SWB drives product development through the use of feature set simulations and focused user testing to validate both the overall approach and detailed UX optimization.

• Data-Driven Persona / User Profile Development Based on Voice of Consumer (VOC) Research Data: Persona development has been a component of UX research for over a decade, yet much of this form of user profile development lacks both technical rigor and underlying supporting research. MUS has developed and validated a robust persona development methodology based on VOC research conducted with respect to a specific product category or application area. The MUS persona development methodology is based on a combination of actual consumer research conducted specifically for such development, or data captured during other forms of product development research. Persona profiles developed by MUS can be linked to a wide range of complex marketing data including validated TAM and other relevant opportunity dimensions. MUS persona methodology is based on data validated using consumer online surveys and or lab-based testing. The MUS methodology produces highly reliable persona data for use in subjective and objective testing of product concepts based on a data-driven methodology. The MUS persona profiles are supported by video use-case simulations and critical live interview data integrated with valid market research generated either by MUS or purchased from leading data vendors that partner with MUS.

• 3D Spatial Tracking for Large Product Configurations: MUS has been a leading provider of sub-millimeter 3D spatial tracking human factors research for handheld and other small products and devices. Based on requests from clients, we have now added the ability to create fully articulated virtual 3D models of larger products and devices and link virtual products to their actual real-world products in real-time. MUS now has the capability to directly track such products through multiple channels, each channel with 6 degrees of freedom, while being utilized by users in simulated or actual use-case research. Our virtual tracking systems capture live 3D tracking data that is integrated in real-time with up to 24 other data channels covering visual, physiological, and subjective performance datasets. This methodology allows our team to create custom API interfaces with a range of data analysis and data integration platforms. The MUS system allows for on-the-fly data aggregation of device and product movement based on a variety of parameters.

• Video Game Software Engagement Optimization and Usability Validation: Video gaming is a massive and rapidly expanding area of technological development that in terms of market exceeds all other forms of entertainment combined. The cost of developing an engaging and successful game is now exceedingly high and the risks of failure increase with every iteration of a gaming franchise. MUS offers video game development teams a series of science-based user testing systems that can be applied at any stage of game development. Our methodologies utilize the latest science-based testing covering physiological, biomechanical, and neuroscience testing methods combined with subjective gameplay ratings. Our combined data stream analysis provides game development teams with robust feedback on all critical aspects of game development including game engagement, persistence, subjective quality, and longitudinal engagement. Our human factors testing system can be utilized to test game concepts, modifications to existing game franchises, entirely new gaming concepts, and to validate learning and skill acquisition performance leading to dramatic improvements in gaming adoption. This MUS methodology also captures data that drives product innovation related to gaming product hardware including seating, display design, input devices, lighting, workstation design, headset, and VR/AR interface hardware.

• Large-Scale Office Ergonomic Analysis and Planning Methodology: For over 30 years, MUS has been a leading provider of office ergonomic analysis and large-scale office planning research. We have provided extensive ergonomic analysis and supporting functions for major corporate office design programs and new facility construction. Our specialized methodologies have been applied in the analysis and design of large-scale office planning projects of more than a million square feet for leading corporate clients. This specific methodology covers workplace analysis related to team collaboration, meeting spaces, individual offices, and related supporting infrastructure analysis. Included in this specific methodology is the design and optimization of individual workstations to meet the latest ergonomic and human factors performance requirements focused on improving employee performance and on-site job satisfaction. Our methodologies specifically include detailed ergonomic analysis and ratings of current office furniture products based on the application of our advanced ergonomic performance design criteria. The MUS methodology specifically provides detailed furniture purchase recommendations based on validated ergonomic performance. This same methodology has also been applied to many complex industrial manufacturing facilities ranging from the production of fine jewelry to nuclear power generation control rooms. Our expertise in this area is widely recognized and sought after by leading architecture and internal space planning development teams.

• Medical Device and Combination Product FDA Human Factors Validation Testing: MUS has a long and industry-validated history conducting complex medical design human factors analysis as required for FDA approval of medical devices, complex combination products, and software. We have deep experience testing such systems with complex patient and HCP populations with a wide range of medical conditions and co-morbidities. Our work in this research area is based on the application of advanced neuroscience-based testing methods combined with rigorous observational testing methods validated in hundreds of medical device human factors testing programs. MUS’s experience in this area of research includes extensive experience with a wide range of drug delivery devices including PFS, auto-injectors, and complex on-body drug delivery devices. The MUS methodology is based on the latest research in IFU content/format analysis and optimization. MUS is the only human factors research firm invited to speak at the FDA on advanced human factors testing methodologies in the design and validation of medical devices. In addition to our expertise in this area, MUS has also written about industry-wide problems with user profile development and patient recruiting.

• Personal At-Home Workstation Ergonomic Analysis and Optimization: The pandemic has driven millions of hardworking and talented employees to work from home. It is a fact that, in most cases, employee home working conditions were never optimized for ergonomics or productive long-term working configurations. Without basic considerations for ergonomic performance, at-home workstations can have a long-term negative impact on employee health, emotional well-being, and productivity. At the request of major clients, MUS has developed an at-home ergonomic workstation assessment and optimization checklist that can be specifically tailored to the needs of employees working from home, whose primary interface with the company and colleagues is through screen-based workstation configurations. The assessment and ergonomic workstation set up optimization system provides detailed prescriptive and procedural recommendations for each employee based on basic ergonomic principles including workstation configuration, seating adjustment, display placement, reflective and visual fatigue reduction, acoustic and sound management, task and general lighting, and temperature and equipment safety planning. The ergonomic assessment also includes recommendations on work pacing, rest spacing, virtual meetings, and scheduling considerations. The ergonomic assessment and recommendations are based in part on employee response to an online audit survey covering their current workstation and at-home set up. The MUS recommendation system can be customized based on individual corporate objectives, privacy requirements and related employee policy issues.

• Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation Supporting Research Methodologies: Intellectual property litigation is rapidly becoming a critical aspect of complex product development programs. Today, design teams involved in the development of business-critical products are focusing extensive resources on the protection of their most valuable IP assets through aggressive IP litigation. In this context, MUS has supported the world’s leading corporations as IP experts both at trial and as litigation consultants. We have participated in over 75 major IP cases. In most complex IP litigation, opposing parties execute consumer research to explore and validate IP infringement. Much of this form of research does not strictly meet the formal tests put forth by the legal governing bodies proffering research study design requirements to be utilized in formal legal proceedings. Many studies today are found invalid by the court due to this expanding problem. Having observed this problem, MUS has committed significant funding to the development and validation of litigation research methodologies that directly deal with the problem of study design that does not meet formal legal constructs. In this regard, MUS has developed, validated, and utilized in actual litigation a formal methodology known as the Empirical Ordinary Observer Test (EOOT), which has been accepted by the court and has withstood three aggressive Daubert challenges. For more information on this methodology, please select this link to view our litigation support services.