Internet | Usability Audit

Introduction

A Usability Audit provides a cost-effective method for gauging the overall usability of your site to quickly improve its' general usability and is sometimes referred to as a 'heuristic' or 'expert' review.

A Usability Audit is commissioned when there is a need to identify the major usability issues with a website without performing in-depth studies. Usability Audits are often a valuable precursor to a Usability Evaluation by eliminating any prominent usability problems before a Usability Evaluation 'fine-tunes' the usability. The audit can be performed very quickly and enables the prioritisation of areas of the site requiring redesign. Because the audit is performed by The Usability Company, an unbiased approach and complete objectivity are assured.

The main benefit of a Usability Audit is that show-stopping usability issues can be resolved very quickly and cost effectively.

A Usability Audit is ideal for organisations wanting an initial assessment of how usable a site is within a limited timeframe and budget. For a fuller appraisal we recommend a Usability Evaluation.

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The Process

A Usability Specialist will identify major usability problems - those impeding the user experience - by assessing the site against recognised usability heuristics (design rules of thumb rooted in psychology).

Issues such as navigation, feedback and consistency are carefully examined.

Each problem is given a severity rating which helps in prioritising when issues are addressed.

The deliverable in the form of a written report or presentation, includes our considered recommendations for solving the usability problems we identify.

If you would like to learn more about how a Usability Audit can improve the effectiveness of your website, or if you would like to schedule an audit, please call or email us.

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© The Usability Company 2007