How It Works
We can review your site in almost any format
We evaluate:
- Publicly available web sites.
- Designs on development servers, if you can give us password access.
- Prototypes: HTML, PDF, InDesign, Photoshop. Just tell us in the special instructions where we can go to download the files.
- Wireframes/Mockups/Sketches. Just tell us how to get them in the special instructions.
What we need to do the evaluation
Think about what you want us to review and how we can accomplish this. The more specific you are, the faster we can get started! Gather the following information to fill out the request form:
- Describe the scenario you want us to review—the thing your site visitor needs to do to be successful. For example: "I want users to sign up for our monthly newsletter." Be as specific as you can. See Examples
- Who is your typical user (site visitor)? Describe demographics, job titles, special skills, or knowledge they might have. See Examples
- How will we access your site? If your site or prototype isn't public yet, you may need to set up a special server or password for us. Or, you might need to set up a demo account with a user ID, password, and the right settings for the scenario.
Please note: we will not complete purchases with our own credit cards or personal information so the review will either stop at the point of purchase, or you will need to supply a method to place a "fake order."
What you get
We deliver a video showing our evaluation of your scenario. Videos are typically 10 - 15 minutes long. You'll see the evaluator attempting to complete the scenario you described and talking about the barriers that might confuse users or make them lose interest.
Typically, these obstacles include missing information, confusing options, known usability issues, or other snags. We’ll spot them and give you suggestions on how to fix it. These issues and suggestions are highlighted in overlays right on the video so that you know what is being discussed. Unlike the "do it yourself" usability sites, we do provide specific recommendations for solving problems.
Honest Feedback is Usable Feedback
By asking for this evaluation, we feel like you are requesting an honest critique of the design, so we don't sugarcoat it. We will use your time to give you as many suggestions as we can. We will tell you when we think something works well, but the main focus of the evaluation is to suggest improvements.
An example
Scenario: Plan a trip to visit archaeology ruins around the Southwest.
Users: Parents with 2 kids who are interested in archaeology.
