Filed under: Software
Silverback now available
UK web development team Clearleft has released its web site usability testing application, Silverback.In short, Silverback turns a Mac into a portable usability testing laboratory. What used to require a complicated and cumbersome set up involving several computers, a video camera, and lots of time, can now be done much faster and with less hassle. You only need a Mac with a built-in or attached camera, and a copy of Silverback.
The application records video footage of the user, and combines it with recorded footage of their activity on screen. Clicks, inputs, pointer movements and the user's speech and facial expressions are all combined into a single video file that can be quickly exported. One nice touch allows the test facilitator to add "bookmarks" during a session by clicking a button on the Mac's Apple Remote. Nothing distracting will show up in front of the user, but the bookmark is still recorded invisibly in the background.
The only thing that doesn't appear to be included - at least in this initial release - is the ability to edit the output video file before exporting. Even so, it looks like it could be an invaluable tool for anyone who makes software or web sites for a living. If you want to find out more, watch the five-minute demo video, which is a useful summary of aims and features.
Silverback is Tiger and Leopard compatible, sells for $49.95 and can be used as a fully functional demo for 30 days. As an added bonus, 10% of all profits generated will be donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Buckingham said 12:17PM on 7-25-2008
BonziBuddy! welcome back!
Reply
Jash Sayani said 1:28PM on 7-25-2008
Yeah, I remember Bonzi. He was really cute !
But turned out to be a spyware !
CaptSaltyJack said 1:14PM on 7-25-2008
Best icon ever. Well, maybe a tie with WebSnapper...
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Dave Barnes said 1:31PM on 7-25-2008
How about a post on this: "AOL is apparently telling some of news blogs under its wing to cut back on posts in order to trim down its budgets. The sites...include...The Unofficial Apple Weblog. All have been asked to stop posting content until July 31, according to paidConent.org."
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Macroy said 3:12PM on 7-25-2008
A post about how they're not supposed to post? Won't the universe collapse upon itself?
Steve said 3:37PM on 7-25-2008
Their site is freakin awesome!!! - Their product is cool too.
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Fritz Laurel said 4:11PM on 7-25-2008
I love the concept for this app!
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Kelmon said 2:09PM on 7-26-2008
Damn, chalk up another simple idea that I didn't think of... Great idea for an application and probably the best logo I've seen. I'm also impressed that they are donating 10% of license fees to gorilla conservation.
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