Methodology Overview

hg design utilizes user centered design best practice techniques to optimize usability for identified target audiences. Our goal is to understand the core tasks that need to be supported by the site or application and ensure that task flow and functionality meets users' mental models for those tasks. In an effort to create a usable site that also provides a satisfying experience, we adhere to the following set of activities: Identify primary and secondary unique user groups (personas) Conduct tasks flow analysis for key tasks and document information architecture Develop wireframes including definition of interaction and navigation models Visually treat wireframes based on brand guidelines and desired attributes Conduct usability and brand testing on new designs Iterate information architecture, wireframes, and visual treatment based on user feedback Document design specifications (interaction and visual) As with all custom design projects, there is a wide breadth as to how involved each of these activities can be. Based on complexity of content and functionality (as well as budget!) there are ways to scale back on some activities while placing additional emphasis on others.

Information Architecture

A well-researched and intentional information architecture forms the foundation of a strong Web site or application. Prior to developing the information architecture, the primary set of personas should be identified and key task flows analyzed. Depending on the complexity of the site or application, the information architecture may be flat or deep and should be developed in anticipation of future content and functionality to avoid organic growth. The information architecture diagram acts as the blue print for both the UX and implementation teams and can identify page types, public and authenticated space boundaries, and conversion points. View Information Architecture Portfolio

Interaction Design

As technologies are often overly complex for their indented target audience, interaction design aims to minimize the learning curve and to increase accuracy and efficiency of task without diminishing usefulness. The objective is to reduce frustration and increase user productivity and satisfaction. At hg design, interaction design starts with a set of wireframes depicting key pages or page types in the Web site or application. Wireframes not only define high level content placement rules on a page by page basis, they also define the interaction model and navigation systems. View Interaction Design Portfoliotop

Visual Design

hg design offers several different types of visual design services. Our primary focus in visual design is the development of visual languages for Web sites and applications. The visual language, or presentation layer, can be more than the icing on the cake (or wireframes). Use of color, font treatment, and imagery can markedly impact the user experience, perception of brand, and persuasiveness of a site. Our visual design expertise also includes icon development, logo creation, and print design. View Visual Design Portfolio View Print Design Portfolio View Brand Identity Portfolio

Other Services

Usability Testing (in lab and remote moderation) User Research (one-on-one and round table facilitation) Persona Creation Best Practices Evaluation Stakeholder Interviewing Lo-Fidelity Clickable Prototype Development Project Managementtop

Our Technical Capabilities:

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Dreamweaver

Adobe Fireworks

Adobe Illustrator

CSS

HTML

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Project

Contact hg design:

For more information email

Ciarda Henderson.