Old School Usability Testing
There was a time when only software designers and game developers needed to do usability studies. As recently as 10 years ago, companies were spending $200,000+ to put together usability testing labs. Then it also took a staff to operate and maintain the facilities.
Contemporary Usability Testing
Today, every enterprise large and small has a significant public facing user interface called a web site.
Fortunately the barrier to entry for doing usability testing has functionally evaporated. All you need are a couple of laptops, some commodity software, and a bit of training. Now, the biggest hurdle is finding the will and the courage to do it.
The subject can be located anywhere with a decent internet connection. The facilitator can be in the same room or across the planet while the observers can join remotely or review recordings (streaming on demand)..