A Usability Expert Review is a cost effective alternative to formal user testing - but still yields significant usability gains. We've found that a great number of usability issues can be detected when reviewed by a qualified expert. A Usability Requirements Analysis should be conducted before the usability review in order to establish the frame of reference for evaluation. The Usability Expert Review feeds into subsequent design and development processes.

We have produced Expert Usability Reviews for:

• CNW Group (in collaboration with 76 Design),
• Youth Science Ontario (organizational web site and “Science Fair In A Box” application.)
• TravelPod.com

We can talk to users

Our expert reviews are based on years of experience with user interface systems design and communication with users. Understanding user feedback and comments requires a special skill set that can grasp the nuances and hints of issues.

Users can be remarkably tolerant of usability obstacles – until they seize upon a better solution when it comes along! This can be very bad news for you if the other solution comes from your competition. We can help you hear your users and address their needs before they run away.

We can talk to developers

Because of our extensive experience in software engineering, we are equally capable of speaking in depth with software developers to establish a solid understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the development framework.

We identify tactical and strategic opportunities

By understanding your business goals, the users’ perspectives and the development environment, we are able to identify the tactical low hanging fruit for eliminating key usability obstacles with the least development effort. We can also map out longer term strategic opportunities that require more development planning and effort but could reach highly desirable business goals.

Outcome: We produce a usability alert and recommendations document

The document will list areas that are most likely to produce user stress and will present a set of recommended solutions. Each issue may have multiple recommendations that are available, depending upon your business and development strategy.

See also our Usability Testing Service for more formal evaluation techniques that might meet your specific needs.