MetaMedia
Insight-driven web design for older people
This short presentation will describe how to gain insights that can help deliver quality web sites i.e. those with content that users value, and which are quick and easy to access. This is something that is universally desired and valued by all users, but has even more of an impact for older people.
The presenters will discuss various tools and techniques from the emerging discipline of information architecture (IA). IA is focussed on helping people find what they are looking for on big web sites through providing structured and logical organisation of information. IA Research provides insights into context, content and users by applying a variety of tools and processes.
It is important to involve users in the design process early on. Much of IA research is based on traditional market research (e.g. Questionnaires, focus groups), but a large part is quite technical and specific to the Web field.
The presentation will focus on various tools and techniques (e.g. Focus Groups, User testing, Use Case Modelling, Controlled Vocabulary and Thesauri) that are particularly useful when eliciting the needs of older people.
Metamedia - biographies
The presenters are MetaMedia's Neil Williams and Christina Carlsson. MetaMedia is a web and multimedia consultancy that offers a range of research, strategy and design services.
Neil is a hands-on Information Systems Technologist with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of industry sectors. He was educated at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University. He holds a PhD and 1st Class Honours.
Christina is a consultant specialising in research and web usability. Her core skills are in information architecture, change management, market research and customer care. She holds a B.Sc. Social Sciences from the University of Lund, Sweden and an MA in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster.