Usability
When we talk about usability we are referring to the ease with which a user interacts with your website or other digital application. The usability of a website depends on a number of factors including the skills, preferences and behaviours of your typical website users. Another factor is the design and technologies used in similar websites that these users might be comfortable and familiar with. Because all users think and behave differently based on their needs and previous experiences, user research is one of the first steps we take in order to design a website that is easy to use.
There is also an ever-growing body of research around usability that we tap into to allow us to incorporate best-practice usability principles into our designs. This means we don’t have to re-invent the wheel when it comes to the design of standard (non-bespoke) elements such as basic forms and navigation structures.
Nonetheless, before we let any of our interface designs loose in a live environment, we always check in with end users to see if our solutions make sense to them.
Usability testing may be carried out with real members of your target user groups or with people form your organisation on their behalf. For many projects usability testing can be performed almost anywhere. From low-fi paper prototypes to interactive wireframes or simple A-B testing models.
The observations made during usability testing almost always leads to improvements in user experience and as a result this is one of the most important aspects of our user-centered design process.
Call Surface Media on 03 9670 7062 to discuss your digital requirements.
