Design and Testing of a Facility for Two-Way Video Teleconferencing

Abstract

This report describes the design and testing of a facility for two-way video teleconferencing. The design process began by developing and distributing a survey to assess the needs of potential users, to develop a “user profile” for these individuals, and to determine their willingness to consider video teleconferencing as an alternative to “in person” meetings. In addition to the survey, design data were obtained from the human factors literature, site visits, interviews with users of existing video teleconferencing rooms, and rapid prototyping and user testing of alternative designs. Construction of the facility has been completed, and over 200 users have been trained to use the equipment. User reaction has been very favorable, with a majority of users expressing a desire to use the facility again.