User needs
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Contents |
OVERVIEW
When creating online content it is essential that user needs are central to the planning and delivery process. To assess user needs, Audience analysis and modelling should be undertaken. User testing will subsequently provide evidence that needs have been understood correctly and catered for appropriately.
Assessing user needs
Once the target audience(s) has/have been identified and agreed, some thought needs to be given to:
- Their Digital literacy
- The purpose for which they will use the online content
- The best format in which to present the content to ensure accessibility
- Their preferred channels of engagement
- The technology they use computer (including browser versions) and other devices
- How the online content will be publicised to users
- How you will elicit feedback/evaluation data to feed into future development
When deciding how to present content, consideration should be given as to the proficiency and preferences of the target audience(s). What works for a family audience at home, perhaps a gaming format, may not work for young people working in a school environment and social networking conventions will not appeal to all audiences.
Be mindful of the technology your audience is comfortable with and aware of the needs of people using assistive technology. When assessing user need it can be helpful to:
- create a "persona" of what your typical user is like
- make a mood board to remind you of their choices in the wider world as well as online
- identify the sorts of online services they already enjoy and engage with
Thinking along these lines will also help decide how and where to publicise your service once it's live since you will have already identified your target audience's preferences.
Related Digipedia articles
Audience analysis and modelling
Further information
Using personas to understand the needs and goals of institutional repository users
Why are users so useful? User engagement and the experience of the JISC Digitisation Programme
[[role::newcomer]] [[role::strategy manager]] [[role::policy maker]] [[role::project manager]] [[role::content manager]] [[role::acquisitions manager]] [[goal::designing]] [[goal::usability]] [[level::basic]] [[level::medium]]
