As we move into 2012, I think it’s safe to say that although Councils are facing budget constraints and cut backs their on-line presence will always be at the top of the agenda as a cost effective way to communicate information to the public. So what’s in store for Council websites in 2012?
From speaking to a number of different Councils, improving their website(s) design and usability is key, this also includes removing complex and misleading jargon from their website, whilst reducing the number of pages and content within the pages to improve information access.
User centric design has also taken front of stage in the approach to re-designing a potentially complex and cluttered Council website home page. In order for the site to be successful, users must visit the site and find information or accomplish tasks no matter what objectives or task they are looking to accomplish.In our experience we have found that usability testing usually uncovers the basic issues within the site fairly quickly into the user sessions. This can include both navigation and signposting of information as well as certain terms that are people still use when looking for information. A recent example was during a session an elderly gentlemen was searching for “community charge ” rather than ” council tax ” Another example being when a user highlighted that a phrase, “coping with retirement” could well be changed to deliver a more optimistic outlook !
What are the main areas to consider when testing the website
Efficiency: Once users have arrived on the website how quickly can they perform tasks
Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design
Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they re-establish proficiency
Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors
Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design
If you would like more information about real life examples, then please see the contact us page
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