The process begins with focused research and careful observation of those who will actually use the application.  Using a variety of tools including observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and related activities, our analysts approach the challenge as an independent researcher trained to maintain objectivity throughout the information gathering and study process.  Free of the biases and agendas held by the many stakeholders involved, our analysts are able to draw conclusions and prepare concrete measurable, actionable and statistically reliable recommendations.   With these insights in hand, a roadmap for solutions can be created that will engage users, hold their interest, increase productivity and satisfaction and help create brand loyalty.  This, in a nutshell, is the critical role played by our analysts. 

Our user interface designers work closely with the analyst to create designs that incorporate the analyst’s findings and recommendations.  Their goal is to make the user’s interaction with the application engaging yet simple to use – while simultaneously preserving the efficiency and required functionality.  Another important consideration is achieving a design that is stable and usable and can accommodate the needs of the broadest possible user profile.  Whenever possible, an additional design consideration might include creation of a readily identifiable style or theme that can help create a unique brand identity (e.g.., the Apple iPhone interface) without undo burden on the use of the application as a whole. 

Although each project is unique and presents its own specific set of requirements, our user interface design team uses an iterative multiphase process to meet the challenges:

In the software profession at large, the term “Information Architect” covers a lot of ground depending on the context of the discussion.  In the domain of user interface design, the term generally refers to persons who are experts in preparing, organizing and structuring information across shared environments.  Using a wide array of information management and design techniques, our Information Architect’s (IA’s) are responsible for ensuring that meaningful and complete information will be presented to the user with clarity and simplicity.  

The function of our IA’s is closely related to, and combines the roles of, the traditional disciplines of library science, categorization development, thesauri, indexing and metadata management.  The IA is also responsible for ensuring that the contextual elements that reside within the data structures and broad information sets involved are identified and presented to the user in an accessible manner.  

In some environments, such as many web applications, the scope and complexity of the data sets can be enormous.  In these cases, the IA is not primarily responsible for deciding how the information will be coded but rather how the information will be used.  To achieve this goal, our IA’s must consider not only the technical aspects of design but also on understanding how to best structure the information so that the application’s business goals are met. 

All our IA’s are graduates of major universities with most holding post graduate degrees as well.  In addition, through years of practical hands-on UI application design, each has acquired the rare blend of technical savvy and an understanding of how people interpret and act on both visual and non-visual information so users can access it as simply and effectively as possible.

Our UI development team consists of a select and seasoned group of professionals.  Each member brings in depth experience in creating compelling user interfaces that combine simplicity of use with superb functionality.  Our UI project managers typically offer 10+ years in both technical design and as practicing commercial artists, team leads similarly posses experience both in technical design and as commercial artists with 7 or more years of industry experience and team members range from 2 to 3 years (minimally) to 6 or more years.  Our usability team typically brings 2 to 5 years of experience in the usability domain.

Virtually all members of the UI development team are university graduates with certificates or diplomas in web development.  Our RIA experts are also university graduates with expertise in Adobe Flash / Adobe Flex / Adobe Air and Microsoft Silverlight.