|
Q:
We get complaints that people
can't find what they are
looking for on our web site.
What should we do?
A:
It sounds as though your
information architecture
(the organization of content
on your site) and your design
may not be as effective
as they could be in directing
web users to the content
and functionality they want.
We can evaluate your site
and recommend modifications.
We can also survey your
users and/or do usability
testing on your site to
determine exactly what users
are having trouble with
and how those problems could
be alleviated. Then, we
can help you implement helpful
changes.
*********
Q:
We're redesigning our Web
site, and I am tasked with
managing the project. What
should I know to make the
project successful?
A:
Here's our short list of
things to think about:
- assembling a cross-functional core project team
- setting
clear goals, responsibilities,
and accountabilities early
in the project
- setting
success metrics early
and performing periodic
assessments throughout
the project and after
launch
- centralizing
project communications
- keeping
senior staff in the loop
- building
usability into the project
plan
- planning
for the review, editing,
writing, and posting of
content (not addressing
content early enough is
one of the most common
causes of Web site project
delays)
*********
Q:
It's been recommended that
we get a content management
system for our web site.
What are the benefits of
content management?
A:
A content management system
(CMS) allows you greater
control over the presentation
of content, the maintenance
of links, the timing of
publication and deletion
of content, and user access
to content. One of the main
benefits of content management
is that it makes it easy
for nontechnical staff members
to post content to your
web site, which helps avoid
production bottlenecks.
Another benefit of content
management systems is workflow
features that help you control
quality by ensuring that
every piece of content is
edited before being published.
Finally, content management
systems separate content
from presentation, so it's
easy to change designs and
styles without having to
manually edit existing pages.
*********
Q:
We've heard how important
it is do web usability testing.
Isn't that expensive and
time-consuming? Is it really
worthwhile?
A:
Usability testing doesn't have to
be very time-consuming or
expensive. Incorporating
usability in a project from
the start can speed a project
along and save you from
finding critical problems
late in the project, when
it is more expensive (or
too late) to fix them. There are many
different types of usability
testing you can employ—in-person or remote online, moderated or self-guided. There are also other usability techniques that can help diagnose problems and suggest solutions, including card sorting (in person and online) and tree tests. Usability techniques of all kinds can help keep projects on schedule and on budget and make them more successful.
********* |
