Services
Interaction design
Helping users easily and efficiently find information and accomplish tasks.
Interaction design is about designing workflow and behavior. Because, by definition, interaction designers work at the point at which users interact with a website, a device, or an application, they must have a thorough understanding of both the user’s domain and the potential and constraints that technology offers. Iteraction designers address questions concerning how users can find the information that they need, and easily and efficiently accomplish tasks.
Good design rarely happens in a vacuum, but is the result of collaboration between designers and other professionals. Our skill in working with engineers, visual designers, and business stakeholders supports the development of experiences that are easy to use and can be implemented within time and budget constraints. We will work with you to create a process that can be adapted to the needs of your organization.
Rapid prototyping
Identifying and comparing interaction approaches to reach the best outcome.
Interaction design is a craft. As such, designers learn by making. This is why building prototypes is critically important to the process of developing usable systems. We are experienced in building prototypes in a variety of media, from paper to PowerPoint to Flash.
Prototypes can be useful for formal testing and demonstration, or to just compare a variety of interaction and architectural approaches. The up-front investment in creating a user experience prototype invariably saves money downstream by identifying requirements and design defects that could cost large sums in development rework later in the process.
Developing cost-effective prototypes requires an understanding of available tools and identification of specific features and/or functions that must be modeled. We will work with you to identify the right approach to meet your needs. Read more >
Software Development
Building dynamic, robust interactive software applications and web sites
We specialize in developing interactive desktop and web applications on the Adobe Flash and AIR platforms. Our deep understaning of user interaction prniciples make us uniquely qualified to take on custom interface and visualization projects. See some examples of our Flash work >
Project leadership
Keeping teams focused on achievable goals to deliver great user experiences.
We believe that successful collaboration starts with mutual respect and understanding of the part that each team member plays in making the product successful. Every team is a work in progress and must find ways to leverage the unique mix of skills, talents, and personalities that its members bring to the table.
Our experience leads us to advocate for a process that includes frequent iteration towards customer-focused goals. To this end, we have applied the Agile software development methodology to reduce cycle-time and improve usability. This process keeps teams focused on achievable short-, intermediate- and longer-term deliverables and builds in the ability to change course as understanding of customer needs grows.
Education and training
Building mastery through understanding core principles.
The experience of working with a consultant should include the opportunity to learn and absorb best practices. In the course of consultingn engagements, we can help your team develop these skills by prividing brief tutorials on relevant topics or by developing a customized training program that will enable the team to effectively apply best practices.Our philosophy is to start students with learning fundamental principles, and then apply those principles through hands-on analysis and design exercises. I also introduce students to the processes and techniques used in developing usable systems, to provide a framework for how to proceed. In understanding fundamental principles, concepts, and best practices for user-centered design, teams will have the tools to adapt to a variety of situations and projects that may be encountered in the real world.