Our user interface development process is similar to the process used by the usability industry. This process can be modified in most cases to align with whatever product design process you are currently using.
Usability methods and tools can be introduced at any point in the project process, but to reap the most benefits in terms of time and money, the earlier you start incorporating usability practices, the better!
Analyze. What are your desires and expectations for the project? How do they align with the desires and expectations of the user? By using what we already know about potential users and analyzing the tasks and functions to be performed, we can determine how users will best interact with the site, application or product, greatly reducing the design phase and saving lots of time and money in the process.
Design. Using what we learned in Analysis, we brainstorm information architecture, navigation and design ideas. The first designs are "low-fidelity" prototypes, sometimes created with paper or design applications. By testing these with actual users, we can learn an amazing amount to help refine the design before the developers write their first line of code.
Implement. This is where the programmers take the design specifications and build your site, application or product. During this time, we are continuing to evaluate the design and work closely with the programmers to ensure the design is accurately implemented. When the work is complete, another round of usability testing is used to verify previous findings and possibly catch minor design issues.
Evaluate. It's in the user's hands now! Field studies, user feedback and verifying that the desires and objectives have been met for both you and the user will greatly increase the chances of a successful rollout. Another round of testing will work to verify the results and give you ideas for what to include in your next version or update.
Once you get a chance to see what usability can do for your project, you'll discover a wealth of information available to help you improve and perfect just about everything you do while increasing your profitability!
What types of testing, methods and development tools do we use? Network 23 has many different tools and techniques at their fingertips, but not all of them are needed or necessary for every project. We can help you determine what approach is best for your needs.