Web Usability Blog

User research starts with finding the ‘right’ users. The quality of insight from the research very much depends on the feedback a participant gives and inviting people to take part in research to whom the website is relevant is essential!  

It’s no secret that Google’s algorithm takes into account user experience and good usability as part of a site’s ranking, but what does this actually mean in practical terms?

Everyone has a website these days so developing one should be straightforward, right? Then why are so many websites so difficult or frustrating to use.

We believe that developing an effective, usable website is highly achievable. Here are our 7 steps to get you there:

You have just completed our application form to be a tester and are excited to hear about upcoming research opportunities. You are probably wondering what will happen next? 

We had to have a plumber round the other day. Watching him at work (and pestering him with plenty of annoying questions) it quickly became apparent how much of his knowledge was subconscious. Decades of grovelling around under sinks and fiddling with boilers had ingrained these skills and expertise so deep in his brain that he often couldn’t articulate precisely what he was doing.

One of our clients recently came to us with a recruitment brief for a diverse and inclusive research project. This included testing with disabled users and individuals who consider themselves digitally excluded. Broadly defined, the digitally excluded are those in society who have unequal access to or lack the skills needed to use digital devices.  

The UK is a wonderfully diverse and multicultural place. As much as 8% of the UK population, some 5.3 million people, report their first language is not English.

The best made plans are based on a foundation of user evidence. By understanding what your users want, how they want it and where they go to get it you will more effectively be able to meet their needs.

As we look toward 2021 and, hopefully, the opportunities that await us there, we share some of the ways you could incorporate user insights into your plans.

Until very recently, how we engaged with brands and organisations normally spanned a multitude of touchpoints – online, in store, telephone, email and social media. As stores have shut and customer service centres shifted more heavily to digital solutions, the online touchpoint has become, in many cases, the only touchpoint.