Usability Projects

We have a range of usability services that will improve your product at any stage of development:

Contextual Innovation

HFI has developed a process for developing concepts for new products, sites, and applications. We have extensive experience in the financial sector and also work in emerging markets.

Expert Reviews

Before doing a major redesign of a site or application we generally do a systematic and extensive expert review. This can indicate short term changes. But more importantly it can give direction to ongoing development. In just 2-3 weeks insights are gained which often open major opportunities for the organization.

Usability Testing

Our consultants use cost-effective, proven testing techniques throughout the design process. We gather data from real users to refine the designs. We provide worldwide testing and remote testing procedures. We also provide specific controlled studies as needed.

User-Interface Structure

An efficient navigation structure determines 80% of usability. We help clients create efficient, usable navigation structures. Our team gathers data from real users to understand their psychology, task flow, and environment. Then we design primary navigational screens and identify major underlying functions. We integrate visual branding elements into the overall architecture, providing a solid foundation for detailed design and future expansion. In just 6-8 weeks we can understand the real user needs and create an optimal appearance and navigational solution.

Web & GUI Standards

Our staff have created over 150 organizational user interface standards. We often start with the boiler-plate standards in HFI's Usability Central Gold™. Then we use a consensus-driven approach that aids in standards dissemination and acceptance. In 6-12 weeks a complete standards is ready to post on the corporate intranet.

Detailed Design

HFI's human factors experts work hand-in-hand with visual designers and editors to optimize screenflow, color, wording, layout, control selection and interaction,. We combine scientific usability principles with aesthetic designs to promote your brand values and business objectives. We deliver a full functional specification and/or prototype ready for coding.

Graphic Design

HFI applies the best practices of human factors to graphic design, creating what we refer to as "graphic factors." The graphics are designed so that the user will easily comprehend your message and recognize your corporate brand. We help you develop the visual elements of your facility, including navigation graphics, wireframe treatment, data visualization, icons, logos, illustrations, and other images. We deliver graphically treated screens and graphic libraries.

Globalization & Localization

Only half of the 250 million people on the Internet read or speak English. HFI helps companies design Web interfaces for specific countries, emphasizing culture-specific presentation formats, navigation structure, and content. We have staff located worldwide and specialized expertise in cross-cultural design. We also have translation and multi-lingual prototyping capability.