Usability
What is usability?
Millions of websites offer users information, goods, services, and entertainment. But many of these sites are difficult to use, don't work properly, and fail to attract or keep users.
Usability measures the quality of a user's experience when using a website. To ensure a high level of usability, a website must have a clear purpose, be easy to use and help users quickly find what they need.
What is user-centred design?
In relation to the LTS Online Service, a user-centred design (UCD) approach means we put our users at the centre of our planning, website design and development. We employ a variety of techniques for this and testing can be carried out at various phases of development, although it is key to test at the initial stage.
People are enlisted to match our end user profile and observed as they use our websites. In this way, any usability issues can be discussed as they arise. All data, including test observations, are then analysed and a report containing any suggested solutions and recommendations is produced.
Parentzone case study: User-centred design in practice
Usability consultants, Flow Interactive, worked with LTS from December 2005 to March 2006 to review how well the current ParentZone website was meeting its target users' needs, and to restructure and redesign the website.