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Well, at least not about how to use a web site or application.
 When it comes to building a successful web site (public or private), usability is essential. To Northwoods, web site usability refers to designing web sites that "don't make you think.*" At Northwoods, we specialize in doing just that. We create web sites and applications that not only blend Form and Function, but focus on an intuitive and positive user experience.
Through our work with clients like Briggs and Stratton, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Ziegler, City of Wauwatosa, Runzheimer International, AIG, Visa and a variety of other small and medium sized organizations, we have gathered an incredible amount of knowledge and proficiency in usability and conducting usability studies.
* Steve Krug
Whether you simply want some help tweaking your existing site, consultation for your next design, have us conduct usability and user tests for your site, or you want a full web design package, Northwoods can plug into your plan.
While our usability testing is customized for each customer, here are some of our methods...
Key Task testing involves asking the user to do something very specific, like finding a specific PDF file in your site, then watching how well they do.
Get It testing is conducted to show them the site and to see if the user can understand:
- What site is this and what is the purpose?
- What page is this and what is the purpose?
- What are the major sections of this site?
- Where am I, and what are my options?
- How do I search?
Paper Prototyping is a test of different designs and their effectiveness in communicating the brand, company objectives, professionalism, and the navigation scheme. Users are presented paper printouts or online "comps" of the designs and asked a series of questions to determine which site design is the most appropriate to suit the clients objectives.
Card Sorting is a testing of navigation/information architecture. All of the major content sections of the site are written on note cards, and test subjects are asked to put them into logical categories and name those categories, explaining their rationale along the way. This is handy for getting an outside perspective and finding commonalities between various users.
To learn more about usability and how it can help your company, eMail us or give us a call to register for our next Usability Seminar, where we will cover topics like how to:
- Greatly simplify finding information on your web site.
- Dramatically improve the value of your website for prospects and clients.
- Learn common techniques people use to find information on your web site and how to capitalize on that information.
- Find out how usable your web site is.
- Maximize the value of your web site.
...or ask for a personal consultation. We hope to hear from you soon!
"Northwoods offers a 360 degree approach to their usability testing services, coversing test criteria development, candidate recruitment, test administration, reporting and targeted solutions."
-Jennie Stegliano, Advertising Specialist
Glue Dots Intl.
"Northwoods provided usability testing and evaluation that was thorough enough to provide good design insights and identify important issues without becoming a burden. This service was a great advantage and contributed to a superior user experience on our site."
-Mike Kofroth
Briggs & Stratton |