Mint Insight
"Supposing is good, but finding out is better."
Mark Twain
Mint Insight is our user testing and user-centered design division. This is an integral part of our design process. Our approach is based around 4 principles:
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1. People are complicated
Software is complicated. Put the two together and the result is in danger of being super complicated. With social software, designers are creating a space that allows users to create content which other users explore. Subtle design changes can have far reaching effects. We need to start from a place of understanding. -
2. Focus on clients' needs
We start by thoroughly understanding our clients' needs. Together, we distill this down to a focused set of project goals. -
3. Get close to users
We want to get know how our users think, how they react, what makes them tick. Our research process is designed around the needs of building delightful mass-participation websites. This focus is always on building a truly 'Wow' experience. -
4. Test real software
The first time users test a product it's always a shock to see how they use it. Why spend months perfecting something in an ivory tower? We like to get our ideas into the hands of users as early as possible. This means quick and dirty prototypes. Be it with paper, static images or interactive wireframes, there is no substitute for seeing real life reactions. From there we can reassess, refine and repeat the process until we hit the sweet spot. -
In need of fresh ideas? Mint Insight can help.
We can apply this process to existing sites. Combined with our experience, these standalone insight projects deliver a fresh perspective for our clients. They can help to uncover bottlenecks, identify new features and create a strategy to implement them. What's more we can back up theory with technical expertise to turn the designs into reality.
'Really thought-provoking work, well done!'
Chris Sizemore, BBC, Head of Navigation and Services