3.2 - Methodology

User-centred website design methodology envisages the following iterative steps:

• definition of web product objectives;
  • usage-context analysis;
  • definition of specifications;
  • preparation of mockup;
• testing and evaluation of alternative solutions (iteration point);
  • adoption of the solution;
  • web product development;
• test evaluation (iteration point);
  • any necessary corrections;
  • web product release;
• evaluation with user in the usage context (iteration point);
  • any corrections and suggestions for updating;
• monitoring (iteration point).

This method is based on four main conditions:

1. the establishment of a representative user group or panel: the panel should include users with different types of disability and represent the different roles and purposes for which users might be interested in entering the site;
2. the development of usage scenarios: definition of contexts, purposes, and modes of interaction with the site. The site is conceived, designed, evaluated and constantly updated and improved on the basis of these scenarios;
3. ongoing design: the site should be evaluated by the panel on the basis of a number of complex scenarios. The aim of the evaluation is to define new requirements and purposes. These new purposes should be defined in an iterative manner by producing prototypes (low-fidelity if necessary) that make it possible to evaluate solutions, identify constraints and establish feasibility. The constant feedback from the panel enables solutions to be evaluated on an ongoing basis and anticipates the final evaluation of the project. Finally, the panel becomes an “observation post” on the use of the site with a view to constant updating and improvement;
4. monitoring: since, as already mentioned, it is important to ensure that site content does not stay unchanged for too long, constant monitoring is required to ensure that it improves and keeps pace with changes in needs and interests.

The creation of the panel is the key element of the methodology because:

1. it provides a level of realism as well as consensus and communication on the project. From this point of view it could have two spheres of representation: disability and professional categories;
2. it produces data and ideas and makes it possible to take empirically sound decisions. From this point of view the panel is a forum for testing the opportunities and limitations of access and interaction technologies.