Design
Since developing the first Web-based application for a client in 1994, every application we have created has analyzed the needs of the target audience, how navigation can be made most effective, and how to maximize user application, a process typically comprised of three stages:
Pre-Development Research
- Before input is sought from users, we conduct a thorough study of the industry and environment in which they operate. This enables us to home in on the target audience and speak with them on their level in the focus group sessions.
- Our facilitators lead the research participants in a discussion of general Web/software usage, daily informational needs, and workflow. Next the session centers on the specific application being tested. Group participants are invited to give their opinions of what works and what doesn't and are prompted by the facilitator to explain why they like or dislike a particular element.
- The report that results from the research is used to guide graphic artists and developers in the design or redesign of the application.
User-Based Design
- Rather than starting with a blank sheet of paper and focusing on "creative" or "artistic" goals, our design team begins by studying and understanding the Pre-Development Research.
- The designers work closely with our Usability team to get a user-based perspective as they develop the look and feel, navigation, overall theme and concepts and, of course, user interfaces.
Usability Testing
- Once an application is designed, we go back and select users from the focus groups as well as some new participants and ask them to interact with the application. Their interaction with the application is observed to determine how users move through the application, how many questions they have about navigation, and how long it takes to get to desired information. In this process we can also determine the relevancy of material/tools by asking users what information they find helpful.