Collecting online data with usability testing software

Although the internet can no longer be described as a new phenomenon, the growth of its social structure together with the emergence of social interaction hold potential for new research methods. This paper explores the development of participant observation linked with usability testing to conduct online research. The application of usability testing tools has the potential of collecting, analysing, and presenting dynamic data that was previously difficult to capture with more traditional tools. Advantages, limitations, ethical considerations, and future directions of this pairing method are discussed.