Usability testing requires a lot more than a test subject and a facility.
The classic lab has two large offices or classrooms separated by a one-way mirror. The test room in each lab is equipped with multiple video cameras, audio equipment, and everything a user needs to operate the software. In the observation room, the testers watch as the users work and can see and hear everything that causes them to be confused. What you can do on your own Even without an expensive testing lab, there's lots that you can do. Because early contact with users is often nebulous and abstract, you want to get your ideas about the hypertext structure and the look and feel of the interface into concrete form as soon as possible.