Complete User Interface Services

flyTrap interactive provides UID services from the earliest phases of Business Analysis and user requirements through to the final tweak in the client-side code before the application goes live. In MVC parlance, the User Interface comprises the 'View' (presentation layer) that informs the requirements for the system's 'Model' (data layer) and 'Control' (application layer).

 Analysis 

- Business analysis, via meetings with stakeholders, business experts, and users, business goals are defined and the broad business processes the application will involve are described.
- Task analysis identifies users types by tasks, and defines mental models that best suits each user type in reaching their objectives. Meetings are held with internal domain experts, developers and marketing, together with field observation and interviews with users produces a high level workflow map. Use cases and UML are developed to fit the client's development environment.
- Section 508 compliance. Government mandate requiring accessiblity for users with disabilities.
- Heuristic analysis determines the baseline usability of an existing site or system according to established usability metrics. Opportunities for both immediate and long-range improvement are identified.
- Competitive analysis identifies best practices by comparing the usability of similar products or services across a competitor group.

 Design Specification 

- Information Architecture organizes content into logical task categories according to proven principles of information design. This structure helps document the backend data 'Model'.
- Wireframes describes the direction of user workflow via task scenarios through the application (i.e., screen-to-screen, page-to page, frame-by-frame), thus forming the basis for Interaction Design.
- Interaction Design maps the workflow to the structure of front-end form and navigation elements used by the user to move from screen to screen through the application.
- Conceptual Views (low-res protypes) describes the high-level layout of content and user interaction at the individual 'View' level. This model of UI input and output results in a design specification: a document that the end application can be QA tested against.

 Implementation

- Hi-res protoypes are functional mockups of the content and user interaction of each View, defining content layout, navigational elements and graphic interaction styles. They are front-end components ready for integration with the application tier and visual design elements. Specifically, the 'View to Controller' API is defined.
- Client-side programming. Working prototypes display static, dummy data that exposes the presentation layer to application layer API (whether JSP, .Net, CFM, PHP or other). Clean, well-commented code enables backend developers to efficiently integrate the required functionality into a satisfying and effective UI. These prototypes also allow early user acceptance testing and an immediate marketing vehicle.
- Style Guide establishes the visual design - the "look and feel" - of the UI. Aesthetic design is a critical aspect of the overall user experience. We work with in-house or graphic artist partners to develop the visual style for an attractive, well-branded user experience.
- End Evaluation. Iterative analysis during and after development specifies any performance or functional gaps that may have intervened during programming. Any areas of poor usability or new features not in compliance with the design specification are identified.

 User Help 

- Online Help. The design specification also provides the basis for context-sensitive User Help. Online Help is prepared in coordination with print documentation specialists. Good user-centered design minimizes the size of help as well as the need for it. The UI designer is in an excellent position to understand the context of the user's interaction with the user interface and provide the help system for it.