BBC

Frontend conducted a User Experience Evaluation of a new website initiative, ‘Eyewitness’. This website explores issues behind some of the controversial news headlines in Northern Ireland.

Developed by the BBC learning division, the Eyewitness website is a resource to learn more about issues such as sectarianism, social differences, changing attitudes and community initiatives.

It provides in-depth analysis of key issues, views from real people in the community and interactive elements to challenge people’s preconceptions. The site also provides learning resources for teaching citizenship in schools and for general community adult learning.

The Project

In order to determine if the website was fulfilling it’s objectives, the BBC wanted to conduct a User Experience Evaluation with representatives of the target audience. The target audience included members of the community, community workers, educational professionals, students and parents. The evaluation covered issues such as perceived usefulness, usability, appropriate tone/message, environmental influencers, etc... 

Using our portable usability lab, Frontend conducted a series of tests on location with representatives of the target user group. All findings were documented in an Issues and Recommendations report, including possible design solutions. Project stages included:

• Analysis of site and project objectives
• Determine target user base, creation of personas and generate test panel
• Design and conduct user test on location using our portable usability lab
• Analysis of test results
• Expert evaluation of website to determine design solutions
• Compile an issues & Recommendations report
• Discuss all findings with the project team

The Results

The evaluation provided the BBC with valuable feedback with regard to tone, phraseology, perceived usefulness, navigation, task completion, environmental issues, etc... Feedback was generally positive and the site was well received. However, detailed analysis enabled the BBC ensure the full value of the site was communicated to the target audience and that the site was easy to use.

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