Breadcrumb
Level 2 navigation
Newsletter archives
The most recent newsletters:
December 2011
Feature Article - Two different user groups, one website- it can be achieved, with careful planning- We recently conducted user research for a regulatory body. Being a regulatory body, their website caters to two vastly different user groups. This varied nature of target audience presents an interesting question - given the nature of the industry and their operation, how can one website satisfy the needs of two different user groups whose goals, tasks, motivational elements, language are very distinct and different? We have created some tips and fundamentals to be mindful of when developing or redeveloping websites which cater to varied audience groups.
November 2011
Feature Article - Engaging Podcasts- Podcasts can be a great medium for disseminating and consuming information, however we find all too often, that very few podcasts are engaging enough to keep us listening the whole way through. Research manager Chris Gray provides some useful tips on how to create engaging podcasts based on UsabilityOne's vast base of user research
October 2011
Feature Article - Do I Need an App? - While smart phones and tablets may not be new, the proliferation of these devices has grown significantly in Australia over the past few years. Businesses want to capitalise on the potential exposure they can get from a slick native smart phone app and often feel that it is a 'must have' to create a presence in the mobile space and foster mobile browsing habits in their users. Sometimes, the impact business’ hope for does not always materialise. There are a number of options and factors to consider in this digital space, and the question 'do I need an App' should be carefully rationalised.
September 2011
Feature Article - Usability testing in development - We are often asked the question "how do we make sure our interface is usable?" While there are no hard and fast rules as to when and how users should be consulted, we’ve definitely found the earlier and more often, the better.
August 2011
Feature Article - How to identify your users?- While there are plenty of research methods on the market to obtain user needs, the fundamental question that often baffles our clients is, "How do we actually identify our users?" In many cases, clients are sitting on a wealth of information which will help to answer this question, and often it only becomes a matter of looking at the right sources.
July 2011
Feature Article - Typography counts: how font can improve your website’s usability- The selection and use of differing fonts online is frequently forgotten in usability and user-centred design. By remembering a few simple rules, you can ensure your website is usable, readable and accessible to all users.
June 2011
Feature Article - How to create effective icons - The power of well-designed icons lies in their ability to communicate a concept visually. These tips and observations help to avoid common pitfalls encountered and maximise the usability of an icon set.
May 2011
Feature Article - You really CAN have too much of a good thing - Many organisations take great pleasure in overloading their homepages, but research reveals how a simple homepage combined with straight forward navigation are all users are really looking for.
April 2011
Feature Article - The Great Persona Debate - Explores the different perspectives and ideologies behind the persona development process.
March 2011
Feature Article - Supersize the potential of web-analytical systems - Combining web analytics with the results of usability testing can give a more rounded understanding of consumer's behaviour online.
February 2011
Feature Article - Evaluating Site Search - In any website, search is an important user interface element. So, how do we evaluate the performance of a site search from a usability perspective?
January 2011
Feature Article - The psychology behind web optimisation - Almost all retail companies have a web presence these days. But how effective are these digital shop fronts at attracting visitors and turning them into paying customers? Too often the user experience gets lost in the mix.
December 2010
Feature Article - Are you ready to test? - Usability at any point during the design process will provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of an interface; however maximum return on investment will only be achieved if a clear project objective is created prior to commencement of testing
November 2010
Feature Article - Test a relaunch with actual users - Integrating user research into a project's life cycle is increasingly becoming common practice. In the past, involving users, if at all, was likely to occur just prior to the launch of a site.
October 2010
Feature Article - Is the security of Internet Banking eroding its convenience? - With the introduction of additional security measures is the convenience of conducting transactions when and where it suits users being eroded?
September 2010
Feature Article - Eye Tracking and Website Usability Research - This article provides some tips to keep in mind during the preparation and execution of an eye tracking study, which will help to ensure that the research yields clear and insightful results.
August 2010
Feature Article - How much functionality should wireframes have? - A brief description of different types of wireframes, and some of the pros and cons associated with testing at different levels of functionality.
July 2010
Feature Report - Combining the forces of SEO and Usability
June 2010
Feature Article - Information Architecture mistakes and remedies
May 2010
Feature Article - WCAG 2.0 - A Year Later - More and more organisations, both government and private, are making changes to their websites to comply against WCAG 2.0.
April 2010
Feature Article - Help Your Customers Help Themselves - Are you letting your customers down with a poor self-service experience?
Feature Report - Online, Unmoderated User Testing. Benefits and Limitations