CommunityCentral blog

To get some different points of view on an early, test version of the website we’re getting feedback in a number of different ways.

We formed a reference group made up of people working at a flaxroots level all around the country. These people are  web savvy and have tested the website. Comments on logging in, navigating the website, words, and many other aspects of design have fired in. The reference group has also commented on policies and other operational aspects of the website. 

This week a panel of people with disabilities are testing the website. AccEase, a Wellington based company, specialising in website testing, have assigned a team to go through the website with a fine tooth comb. The experience of people using screen readers and other assistive devices is incredibly important making sure the website works for all users. 

We’ve been getting feedback from a range of other people as we go. In the next day or two I’ll talk to Patricia from Birthright NZ and Janet from People First to see how easy they find using the website. As new users they can spot jarring errors which being over-familiar I miss. I’m about to develop a simple test script, based on guidance that Rachael McAlpine has written up (see “Web site usability testing: recommended procedures“). 

A fairly large volume of usability feedback is being generated which all has to be analysed. This will be sorted into two lists: urgent; and nice to have but can wait. It’s not going to be possible to make the changes immediately as sometimes even simple things are both difficult and costly. 

Of course, once we’re up and running we’ll be inviting visitors and members of CommunityCentral to post suggestions for improvements. Over time we want to add features that will help with your day-to-day work. 

I’d encourage anyone creating or updating a website to take the time to talk to some of your audience. Even a small amount of testing will help you create a better website.