Introduction
Screen recording is a tool used to capture and record a user’s interactions with a digital interface, such as a website or mobile application. This tool provides valuable insights into user behaviors, preferences, and pain points. By recording user sessions, UX Researchers can analyze user behavior in real time and gain a better understanding of how users interact with their product. Participants can also use screen recording to share their feedback, concerns, and suggestions, which can help improve the overall user experience. Overall, screen recording is a highly valuable tool that provides deep and comprehensive insights into user interactions and behaviors.
Approach
For the software evaluation, I used the free version of Screencast-O-Matic as it was compatible with my Mac. I aimed to evaluate the software for two personas: the UX Researcher and the usability/UX research participant. I captured features that will be used by these two personas, as well as common features that will be useful.
Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic has changed its name to ScreenPal. Screencast-O-Matic is a screen capture tool. This tool records a designated area of your screen as well as audio and webcam input. You can use this tool to record narrated presentations or demonstrations and produce the recordings as videos for your courses. The software offers a variety of features, including the ability to record full-screen or specific regions of the screen, add annotations and effects, and export videos in a variety of formats. Screencast-O-Matic also has a built-in video editor that allows users to trim, cut, and merge videos. Screencast-O-Matic doesn’t have a watermark when you download it for free. But it limits you to 15 minutes of video time only. Users can increase the time limit by buying the full/premium version of the software. A limited video editor is another limitation of Screencast-O-Matic’s free version.
This is the screen shot of my screen’s recording. I was able to record specific sections of my screen as well as capture full-screen recordings. It records anything that is within the white and black dotted frame.
Also, I was easily able to cut and remove parts from anywhere in the videos.
Additionally, features like blurring the video, highlighting the text, etc, can be used.
Also, I was able to make the content more engaging and entertaining by using different sound effects from Screen-O-Matic’s sound library.
Findings
The following feature table can be used to compare other screen and voice recording products and make informed decisions based on their features and capabilities. I also used ChatGPT to get the list of important features used by UX Researchers, Usability/Research participants, and common to both.
Common Features
| Features | Review | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| OS accessibility |  |
Available on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android; and Browsers like Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox |
| Free |
 |
Limited features are available in the freemium version, also offered in three different versions: Deluxe, Premier, and Max. |
| One Button launch |
|
Has the capability to launch a recorder or take screenshots |
| Export and Sharing option with lightweight output | |
Available to be downloaded in various formats like MP4, AVI, FLV, and GIF formats in different resolutions |
| Help and support |  |
Only available through email |
| Tutorials | |
How-to’s, training, and tutorials are available to get started |
| Positive industry reputation | |
Overall, the rating of the app was 4.3-4.5 out of 5 |
UX researcher
| Features | Review | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Annotation and Marking Features or Tagable Output | |
Basic annotation features may be available, allowing researchers to add text and shapes during editing |
| Playback and Editing Capabilities | |
Provides the capability to basic editing capabilities like cut and copy |
| Collaboration Features | |
Couldn’t find the capability to collaborate with multiple researchers, allowing team members to share insights and observations seamlessly |
Usability/Research participant
| Features | Review | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal Disturbance | |
Minimal impact on the participant’s experience during recording |
| Remote Testing Friendliness | |
Suitable for basic remote testing scenarios where participants record their screen interactions. |
Conclusion
Although the recording tool is helpful, its freemium version offers limited functionality. A comparison of feature tables of various recording tools can provide better insights and help in making the right choice.