Project Overview:

To begin the project, we conducted research to gain a deep understanding of the user's needs, goals and pain points when using the website. This included interviews, surveys and user testing to identify areas of the website that needed improvement.

Using this research, we analysed the target group and user journey maps to guide the design process. We then created wireframes and prototypes to test and iterate our designs before finalising the visual design.

The methods utilised were a cognitive walkthrough, card sorting and a questionnaire. Further analysis found several accessibility issues that limit the inclusivity of its target groups and those with visual impairments.

Problem Statement:

Navigation & Accessibility

• There were frequent and considerable issues with the site information structure and local navigation. ODD’s website structure requires users to navigate through several unintuitive steps or endlessly scroll down the homepage for relevant information.
• The style and font sizes used across the filters and indicators on the website have limited accessibility as they do not adequately cater to those with impaired/weak vision

Visibility & Labelling

• Lack of clear labelling for relevant navigation paths for users to achieve their desired outcome. This was further hindered by the lack of visibility of relevant tools and information (obscured down the homepage, website footer or amongst less relevant/used links and buttons).
• The user is presented with too many options on how to achieve their desired outcome and is regularly presented with navigational links that are indistinguishable from each other. Similarly, the use of confusing/ overly similar images/icons was not clear in their purpose causing a user to become easily side-tracked during a sequence

Target Group:

• Patients with a long-term condition: ODD's main focus is on self-management interventions and services for patients already living with a long-term condition.
• Healthcare Professionals: healthcare professionals within Dorset, including NHS staff, first responders and professional caretakers
• Family of patients with a long-term condition (informal caretakers were included within this category).

Discover Phase:

Quantitative Research