Usability project highlight: Sony

Each winter, HCDE master’s and certificate students take a deep dive into usability testing and user-centered research in HCDE 517: Usability Studies. In this hands-on course, students work in small teams to design and conduct usability studies from start to finish—with real clients, real products, and real users.

Over the quarter, they define research goals, develop test protocols, recruit participants, run moderated sessions, analyze findings, and deliver actionable recommendations to their sponsors. 

One HCDE 517 team partnered with Sony to evaluate how accessible the onboarding experience is for users with disabilities who purchase Sony’s LinkBuds wireless earbuds. 

The team evaluated the “Guide for QR” feature – a tactile element included in LinkBuds packaging meant to help users locate a QR code that links to setup tutorials.

The students were asked to assess the user’s introductory step: how people open the package, find and scan the QR code, and access the tutorial for device setup. They designed and conducted six moderated usability sessions with individuals who have visual impairments or dexterity challenges, recruiting participants with the help of campus disability advocacy groups.

The team conducted the studies in accessible testing rooms at the UW Libraries, using live video, screen sharing, and note-taking tools to observe participants as they went through the unboxing and setup process.

Their final report categorized findings by severity and included both broad usability insights and detailed accessibility barriers. The students also included participant quotes, design considerations, and recommendations for future testing, providing Sony with concrete, user-driven feedback to help improve packaging, onboarding flows, and tutorial access for all users.