Case Studies
Property Search Tool Redesign
The client/application:
User testing and brand awareness testing of a prototype. This client asked Usability inSite to help them test the new design of their powerful search tool before launching it to the public.
The problem / situation:
This client asked Usability inSite to help them make the right decisions about some new branding elements as well as new search tool controls for the upcoming redesign of their site. A change in branding and the addition of an advanced search tool that had them looking for user feedback as they faced a tight launch deadline.
The plan:
Usability inSite provided this client with a plan to evaluate the new branding and let users talk about the new search controls. Time was short, so the focus was on getting feedback quickly and in a manner that the design team could act on it. Usability inSite decided to use a hybrid interview/prototype usability session to get user’s impressions of the new branding and also what they thought of how the search tool would work.
Remote prototype tests. Static screens were linked together to give users a look at how certain interactions within the site would progress. Participants were asked to view screenshots of the search process on 4 different property search sites including the prototype and asked about their impressions to determine how the design was affecting their attitudes and emotions about the sites. Additionally, participants walked through the steps of the search process and talked about past experiences with their own house searches as well as with the new set of interface controls.
The delivery:
Usability inSite put together a report based on the user’s feedback on branding and their past experiences with the slider controls and maps. The report focused on user’s views of the site brand-wise versus competitor sites, as well as how people expected to interact with the search controls and mapping tools. It included some areas where accessibility could be a concern as well as recommendations for tweaking the design to match user’s stated expectations.
The results:
Usability inSite prototype testing allowed the client to adjust their designs in a way that helped them match user expectations. Knowing users reactions to the preliminary branding and search controls allowed the design team to align the design to user’s goals as well as streamline the process to meet accessibility guidelines.