It would be impossible to count the number of websites we interact with on a monthly basis. Some websites are used to book a service, buy a product, connect with others or be entertained and inspired. There are so many digital experiences available to us that it can be overwhelming. The one thing that great websites have in common is a curated user experience (UX). This essentially means that the intent of the user has been considered so that the website supports their needs and delivers on their requirements.
If you are undergoing a website rebuild or starting your first website, then here is a guide to curating a great user experience.
Work with experienced web designers
There are short courses and training tutorials that can assist you in creating your website, but there is no substitute for working with an experienced web designer. A professional agency specialising in web design in Melbourne will have the qualifications and wealth of experience across all sectors and project scopes, so your brand can be curated by a team of skilled designers. Working with reputable web designers also gives you the confidence and security in entrusting this work and budget to designers with a track record.
In fact, you can even ask for comprehensive examples and case studies before you commence the project to ensure the agency of professionals is right for you and the project in mind.
Assess the data and do your research
UX practitioners are driven by data and research. This allows them to make decisions on behalf of the user and design digital experiences that are going to be enjoyed by the target audience. Typically, a UX practitioner will draw from data analytics to understand the core demographics of the target audience. One channel may not tell a detailed story, but when you draw from a number of channels, then the picture of who your customer is. A UX practitioner will also create research tools to gain further insight from the audience, which may take the format of a survey or a focus group.
Test and learn
Testing and learning are a core part of the UX journey, with designers releasing iterations early and often to test their effectiveness in the market. There is a range of digital tools that can track what is and is not working, like heat mapping. An experienced web developer will be skilled in implementing and tracking successes and opportunities, getting closer to the end result with each iteration.
Typically testing and learning’ with small, incremental releases is part of agile fundamentals. Agile is a methodology that is often tied to project management in digital environments, although you can find agile in all sectors. When working with a UX practitioner, find out if they work in agile and understand how you will be bringing your website to life.
Get clear on your budget
It’s all well and good to plan exciting activations and growth plans, but you need to have the budget to support these plans. Getting clear on your budget at the beginning is going to keep your ideas and excitement on a leash, so you can grow your business sustainability and responsibility. If your budget has been the same forever but is about to change, then you might get value in talking to a financial advisor who can coach your business through this change. You also want to assign the budget to the right areas also, whether that be marketing, new employees, office growth and more.
It is also possible that your growth plans mean that you are actually going to have to tighten the belt, so be sure to communicate that to your team and stakeholders so no one is under the impression that you are in a spending era of your business narrative.
