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Usability.gov - Your guide for developing usable & useful Web sites

Plan

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Plan — Step-by-Step Usability Guide

Planning is critical because it helps you focus your objectives. It also helps you plan for usability activities that are part of the process of developing a successful site. You must think about what you want to achieve and create a focused vision that will benefit both your users and your company or agency.


Think About the Process

  • Learn about users
  • Conduct task analysis

Follow Research-Based Guidelines

  • What are the Guidelines?
  • Who should use the Guidelines?
  • Can I customize the Guidelines?
  • Do the Guidelines have limitations?

Develop a Plan

  • Create a plan
  • Determine project scope
  • Identify user audiences
  • Set objectives

Assemble a Project Team

  • Who should be included on the team?
  • What skills are needed?

Hold a Kick-Off Meeting

  • Team visions and perceptions
  • Project realities

Write a Statement of Work (SOW)

  • What is a statement of work?
  • What should it include?
  • Examples & templates

Hire a Usability Specialist

  • What to ask
  • Where to look for consultants