Google research van staying an extra day on the South Shore

The Google Research Van started off in North Carolina and made its way across the country with eight stops in Atlanta, Colorado, Utah, Reno and, of course, the South Lake Tahoe/Stateline area.

Research was conducted at each stop to determine how people use Google products, and what users are looking for in the future.

Not everyone who stopped by the van, which was parked at Kahle Park Thursday, had a chance to go inside and be watched by researchers as they used Google products. Those who couldn't wait for the next 15 minute session were still able to participate by filling out a survey.

People were rewarded for their time with Google tee shirts, gift cards to Chipotle, pens, sunglasses and other swag.

Local resident Chelsea Glasson, a Google employee, was instrumental in getting the van to stop in town. They will be back at Kahle Park on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to abut 1:00 p.m., weather permitting. The van and employees will then head back to the San Francisco Bay area to end their country tour.

Those wishing to participate in user studies but are unable to make it to Kahle can log onto www.google.com/usability.