MethodFactory understands that the best behind-the-scenes technology infrastructure means nothing without a positive user experience. Form and function are not mutually exclusive, but rather must work in harmony to yield the best results. We aren’t just interested in how our technology functions, but how it’s received by the end-user. This is why we not only talk to our clients about the importance of user experience (UX); we also offer the knowledge and services to back it up.
Many design and communications components go into creating a positive user experience. Everything from planning and assessment to graphic design and information architecture make for an aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and efficient experience. MethodFactory considers all of these variables at the onset of the project, and builds them into the process where appropriate. Through the use of the latest usability principles, let us help you provide the optimal user experience.
Our process and offerings include:
Strategic Assessment: Identifying the ROI elements of the initiative. An in-depth evaluation of the audience types and segmentation (C2C customer, B2B customer, employee, vendor, etc.) and a description of high-level visions of success for each (more sales, employee relies on intranet as ‘homepage’ when they log-in in the morning, etc.).
Usability Audit: A review of what works and doesn’t work with the current site and applications. Identify best practices, get peer evaluations and discover and document what works with other sites and applications. Take the best of the best and identify problem areas to avoid or improve upon.
User Experience Plan: A written approach to the development of the user interface outlining overall information architecture (organization of information and layout of functionality), intelligent use of technology and controls to best present functions, search/browse/filter optimization, design themes, and taxonomy - with a goal to synchronize performance & user experience.
Prototyping: Development of application wireframes; sometimes into fully functioning HTML applications. Prototyping includes wireframe variations of a site/application layout, establishing user expectations and getting clients and other stakeholders, such as content creators, engineers, and developers familiar with the user environment. This staging area is used to define and position navigation, images, information and search. Over the course of a project, the prototype/wireframe functions as a basis from which to consider changes, diverse user paths, and new requirements and is what the information architecture and designers build on.
Voice of the Customer Workshop: MethodFactory guided workshops, organized to present the vision of the application and the wireframes to key stakeholders. The objective is to validate the direction of the project, get feedback, and ensure organizational buy-in.
Creative Specification: Communicating the brand standards, design direction, etc. to the graphic designer(s). Define design process specifications (# of unique designs, # of templates that are being designed, # of rounds of revisions). Identify what design elements and supplementary technology will be used to deliver the visual message, taking into consideration application speed/efficiency when selecting rich media and application controls. The creative spec establishes design standards for the optimal blend of performance and experience.
Graphic Design: The process of designing the visual communication and presentation of the website per the requirements documented in the creative spec. This is a collaborative, creative process between a client and the designer(s) with the goal of conveying a specific message to a targeted audience. Various methods are used to create the identity and personality of a site including the application of brand standards, composition, page layout, the combination of words, colors, photography, symbols, typography, visual arts and other images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Website Marketing and Ancillary Offerings: Marketing your website is about visibility; which means driving relevant traffic to your site. This includes a host of online marketing methods to make your site/application visible to your visitors/end users and understanding the technology that gets them there. MethodFactory has a breadth of knowledge and experience when it comes to online marketing; we even employ these elements when it comes to our own Web presence.
- Online Marketing - planning & execution
- Pay for Placement
- E-mail Campaigns
- SEO Set-up: keyword & key phrase selection, meta tags, titles and descriptions (code-based)
- Banner Ads/Sponsorships
- Search Engine & Directory Submissions
- Content Creation: copywriting, search engine optimized content, formatting and layout of text, calls to action
- Site Imagery - custom/stock photography, etc.
- Web Analytics Set-up