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Because Usography has observed so many people as they attempt to use various design solutions, we tend to notice what works and what doesn’t. As a result, we are prepared to offer expert assessments of design work, either as a supplement to user tests, or as a standalone project activity. Some of the types of design assessments that we have frequently performed for clients are described below.
Quick-Hit Expert Review
The Quick-Hit Expert Review, which takes a total of 3 days to complete, results in concise, actionable recommendations. The Quick-Hit Expert Review is most effective for design work that does not require significant subject matter knowledge in order to be properly used or assessed. The result of a 3-day Expert Review is a list of findings and recommendations.
Heuristic evaluation
A heuristic evaluation involves evaluating a web site or application according to a predetermined list of usability criteria. Heuristic evaluations are usually performed by usability experts, people who have designed and evaluated many complex systems or who have studied human factors. Heuristic evaluations are usually conducted after screens are either fully developed or are designed to such detail that they could be developed. Steps commonly included in a heuristic evaluation are listed below.
- Select the heuristics
- Rate each key page according to the heuristics, using a scale that indicates the severity of the problem
- Indicate potential fixes for each problem, or the type of research that is needed in order to formulate a fix
- Indicate the level of effort it will take to produce the recommended change
Competitive assessment
Although each company is unique, and therefore requires unique design decisions, it is very helpful to review what other companies in the same market, or which are similar in other respects, are doing. While it’s unlikely that a leading company would want to borrow the approach that a competitor has developed, the design solution can be enhanced by taking into consideration competitive design attributes. Comparing a design with competitive offerings yields a set of opportunities for gaining parity or advantage. The result of a competitive assessment is usually a table that rates each competitor on selected design attributes, based on a pre-determined numeric scale.
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