> Maybe i should go up to random strangers and PAY THEM in order to give them something that would benefit them

It is pretty normal to compensate people for their time in my limited experience (both as subject and from what I hear about user testing). Usually it's a pretty small amount, not like a normal salary but a bit more than a cup of coffee for maybe 30-45 minutes of their time (assuming they don't have to travel to you in addition). They are helping you create a commercial product, it is not weird to do something in return, although I understand also what you're saying about how they might benefit from it themselves

Perhaps you could do a small amount, say (the equivalent cost of) a good cup of coffee, plus a free copy of the course so they can use it themselves and show some others? That spreads the word in addition to them feeling compensated

I'm not a marketing expert though, just going off of what I hear and experienced from other companies

Used to give $5 starbucks cards or relevant swag (pens, cups, t-shirts) in exchange for 15-20 minutes of one to one f2f feedback.

That sounds appropriate. I think I've usually seen slightly higher values, but then also usually for half an hour or a little bit more time so that matches up

Yes, the slightly higher current values are probably keeping pace with the 'flation.

> Maybe i should go up to random strangers and PAY THEM in order to give them something that would benefit them

It may not benefit them, it hasn't been tested. It will benefit you, because it will provide testing.

It might be worth thinking of more natural partners like senior centers, libraries, etc. Maybe start with more of a open Q&A session and show them how to navigate the course to answer their questions.

Such a tremendous amount of work, really Kudos! So cool.

Thank you so much! Indeed i will have a look into that as well!

Libraries have tech support help sessions.

FREE SEMINAR ON SMARTPHONES!

Come along for a coffee (free!) and a showing of a film that will teach you how to use your smartphone.

Your grandkids will be bowled over by your new tech abilities!

All we ask is for you to answer an anonymous questionnaire at the end. No need to give any personal details.

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Or something like that...?

Yeah, my problem with all that is its 8hours long, showing just parts of it is not enough really. I'd like to hear from ones who really do it in its entirety. What they struggled with, aht aas good, what wss awful. Etc.