It's hard to predict whether a website or application will hit its mark from a stack of requirements documents, business analyses, and data diagrams. We feel that the best way to have a constructive conversation about an interaction or process is to experience it.
We start by developing simple system models that frame the experience around an easily understandable metaphor, exploring information architecture alternatives that structure content in logical groups, and diagramming workflows that support key steps in processes. We review these organizing options with users and stakeholders to build consensus around a solid design approach.
Then we rapidly move from concept to detailed screen, component and functional workflow design so we can gather detailed feedback from real users and stakeholders. We work with clients to refine and extend a system, building in detailed data and delivering realistic feedback, until it perfectly captures an experience that successfully balances business goals and user needs.
We are strong advocates of testing our designs with actual target audiences — ideally, before actual development begins — to get validated feedback on the logic, structure, usability and the intuitiveness of the navigation, screen flows and content. Whether in informal meetings with small groups to get heuristic feedback or more formal scripted tests in formal lab settings, putting a website or application in front of real users yields concrete design feedback that invariably improves the final product.
