Usability is the science of creating systems that allow users to achieve their goals effectively, efficiently and with a good degree of satisfaction. For a system to be usable it must function well and provide the functionality that users expect. It must also provide users with the necessary information to allow them to make appropriate decisions, without overloading them with options and functions that aren't relevant.
A usable system saves its users time and stress and is often recommended to others, meaning that its word-of-mouth potential increases dramatically, as does its 'stickiness'.
Marcel &c can help you at any stage of your process, by providing
You can currently get a free Mini Audit of your system by completing the form on the contact page. You will need to provide the URL of the website or web accessible interface and specify the types of users that the system is targeted at. If your system is not web accessible please contact us via email or telephone.
You will receive a single page report giving an overview of the usability of the system, including any major flaws or considerations, a selection of recommendations and any serious accessibility considerations. We aim to provide this within 3 working days of receipt of the form but will contact you within that time if that is not possible. We are only able to undertake 1 free audit per system.
As shown in the last 6 years with the court action against the Sydney Olympics, AOL, Ramada.com, Priceline.com and most recently Target.com, web users are increasingly willing to invoke the DDA and equivalent legislation to ensure that online services are compliant with accessibility law.
However, accessibility is not only a legal requirement for public facing systems in most countries around the world; it makes business sense to allow all potential customers access to your products and services.
Marcel &c believe in accessible interface design with an almost religious fervour - but without compromise on visual design. We know that the most important thing to many businesses is that the end user is presented with a consistent brand image, and that this relies heavily on visual design and production values. We don't see the need for any other considerations to be compromised in order to meet the letter of the law or more: to provide immersive interesting interfaces, even for users with visual or other deficits.
We will happily provide you with any accessibility services you need, but the services we are commonly asked for include
All systems need some degree of technical development. With our usability-centric design methodology and years of experience in information and systems architecture and development, many clients choose Marcel &c to oversee or conduct development of their systems.
Marcel &c have a wide range of competencies; if we are unable to directly undertake the development you require we are sure to know an expert in the necessary field.
Marcel is a gifted, innovative interactive expert, with a tremendous talent in designing complex project solutions. His background in HCI and usability & accessibility expertise has meant our solutions have always been of the very highest standards. A real team player, Marcel bridges the gap between traditional creative disciplines and technical development, inspiring a collaborative work ethic. - Iain Preston, BDM, thirty3above