1. Introduction
Web Usability is an independent user research and consulting business. We engage individuals (“Testers”) to take part in research sessions to help evaluate clients’ websites, digital services and other digital products (“Testing Sessions”).
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which you agree to take part in a Testing Session with Web Usability.
If you agree to participate in testing that does not take place at a research studio location (for example, remote testing or testing from your home), clause 4 relating to arrival at a research location does not apply.
2. Appointment as a Tester
Your appointment as a Tester is confirmed when:
- You have completed and submitted the Tester Application Form;
- You have agreed to these Terms and Conditions; and
- Your non-identifying profile information has been accepted by our client for research purposes.
3. Tester Application Form
You must complete and submit the Tester Application Form before the date of the Testing Session.
All information you provide must be accurate, complete and up to date.
You agree that Web Usability may share non-identifying information from your application (such as demographic or usage characteristics) with our client for the purposes of research, insight and analysis. Your name, contact details and other identifying information will not be shared with the client unless you have explicitly agreed to this.
4. Arriving for a Testing Session
Your confirmation email will set out the date, time, location (if applicable) and expected duration of your Testing Session.
If the session takes place at a research location, you must arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
If you are unable to attend, you must inform us as soon as possible. If you arrive after the scheduled start time, Web Usability reserves the right not to make payment as set out in clause 6.
While we make reasonable efforts to start sessions on time, Web Usability is not liable for losses or expenses resulting from unavoidable delays.
5. Testing Sessions, Observation and Recording
Observation
You agree that during the Testing Session you may be observed by:
- Web Usability staff and associates; and
- Our client and their staff or associates.
This observation may take place live or via secure remote viewing.
Recording and AI-assisted transcription
You agree that Testing Sessions may be:
- audio recorded;
- video recorded (including screen recordings);
- transcribed.
To help us accurately capture research findings, we may use AI-powered tools to assist with recording, transcription and note-taking. These tools may automatically process audio and/or video recordings to generate transcripts, summaries or time-stamped notes.
AI tools are used only to support human researchers. They do not make decisions about you, and all research analysis and reporting is carried out by people.
Recordings, transcripts and AI-generated notes may be:
- reviewed by Web Usability’s research team; and
- securely shared with our client for research and insight purposes.
They will not be used for marketing, advertising or automated decision-making.
You will always be informed at the start of a session if it is being recorded.
6. Payment
In consideration for attending and taking part in the Testing Session, Web Usability will pay you the fee stated in your confirmation email.
Payment will be made via PayPal (preferred) or BACS within three working days of completion of the session.
You will only be paid if you complete the Testing Session.
If you are registered for VAT, payment will be made on receipt of a valid VAT invoice. Otherwise, the fee will be paid without VAT.
You are responsible for declaring and paying any tax due on the fee.
7. Cancellation
Web Usability may cancel a Testing Session up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time without liability.
If Web Usability cancels a session less than 24 hours before it is due to start, we will pay you the agreed fee, but will not be liable for any additional losses or expenses.
8. Confidentiality
If you are informed that the Testing Session involves confidential information, you agree not to disclose that information to any third party or use it for your own purposes.
9. Intellectual Property
All intellectual property rights in the websites or digital products shown during the Testing Session belong to the client.
You may not copy, record or reuse any materials outside the scope of the session.
10. Your Personal Information and Data Protection
How we use your data
Web Usability processes your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection laws.
We use your personal data to:
- identify research projects for which you may be suitable;
- contact you about participation;
- manage and deliver Testing Sessions;
- process payments; and
- carry out research and analysis.
Our lawful bases for processing include consent, legitimate interests, and performance of a contract, depending on the specific activity.
Sharing and storage
- Identifiable personal data is not shared with clients unless you have explicitly agreed.
- Recordings and transcripts may be shared with clients in a secure and limited way for research purposes only.
- Data is stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary for research, legal or operational reasons.
- Anonymised and aggregated research insights may also be used to develop and improve AI tools and models. This process uses only data that has been fully anonymised and aggregated, meaning it contains no personally identifiable information and cannot be linked back to any individual participant.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- access your personal data;
- request correction or deletion;
- withdraw consent where applicable;
- object to certain processing; and
- lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Full details of how we handle personal data are available in our Privacy Policy.
11. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.