User Research

A well-structured website or product experience doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a comprehensive understanding of what your users want and need. User Research is crucial for connecting with your audience and making business decisions that improve their experience. At ALYKA, we want to help you understand and engage with your customers more effectively. We’ll work with you to create digital experiences that truly resonate with your audience and drive business success.

Navigation and sitemap testing

Over time, websites become disorganised. New pages are added, offerings change, and clutter sets in. This can lead to a lack of clarity on how website content should be structured. The solution lies in data-driven insights. Through user research, we can optimise your website's content and Information Architecture to enhance usability. Techniques like card sorting and tree testing ensure seamless user navigation. Card sorting is a simple yet powerful method for understanding how users naturally categorise information, while tree testing evaluates the findability and understandability of information, identifying potential usability issues and providing a foundation for optimising your website's layout.

Website engagement and conversion

Site usability refers to the ease with which users can interact with a website and find the information they’re looking for without difficulty. Poor site usability can severely compromise User Experience (UX) leading to limited engagement, fewer conversions and a less than ideal ROI. Usability Testing is a research method that evaluates how effectively participants can complete tasks on a website. The findings of Usability Testing can help organisations understand how usable their site is and inform decisions to improve it. We can also conduct heatmap reporting to understand how and where users interact with your website content (and where they aren’t).

Audience personas and journey mapping

To effectively reach and resonate with your audience, you need to have a deep understanding of them. Qualitative interviews and surveys are valuable tools for gaining this understanding, as they gather in-depth information directly from the source - your target audience. Focus groups and interviews enable you to ask open-ended questions and probe for more detailed responses, uncovering nuanced insights that other methods might not capture. Surveys can reach a larger audience and collect quantitative data alongside qualitative feedback, allowing for broader analysis and identification of trends. By using these methods, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your target market, which can inform data-driven product development, marketing strategies, and overall business decisions.

Why we are your user research agency of choice

Data-driven insights

We go beyond assumptions. Our user research is grounded in data, providing actionable insights to optimise your website.

Actionable recommendations

We don’t just identify problems; our reports provide clear, actionable recommendations that you can implement to improve your website.

Comprehensive research methods

We employ a range of user research methods to create a tailored approach and gain the insights you’re looking for.

Ready to supercharge your next digital project?

Get in touch with the ALYKA team today to find out how user research can unlock vital audience insights.

Talk to our UX researchers

Our collaborative research approach

Our user research projects are built on a foundation of close collaboration. We will work hand-in-hand with you to ensure we deeply understand your needs, keeping you informed at every stage of the process. This partnership allows us to tailor our research to their specific goals and challenges. Our point of difference is our seamless collaboration with our internal team, including UX designers, content writers and other relevant specialists. By working closely together, we ensure that the insights gained from our research are translated into actionable recommendations and effectively implemented.

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Our Local Government expertise

With proven experience working with Local Government, we understand their unique needs and challenges and can provide tailored user research solutions. Local Government websites are critical tools for residents to access essential information, services, and engage with their local councils. Through targeted user research, we delve into the specific demographics, priorities, and digital literacy levels of residents. This allows us to tailor our strategies to ensure websites are not only accessible and user-friendly but also effectively address the distinct requirements of each community. By prioritising resident feedback and data-driven insights, we empower local governments to create digital experiences that truly serve their residents and enhance engagement in their local communities.

Learn about Local Government websites Chat to our team

Meet our UX research team

Combining knowledge of User Experience, design and accessibility, Xixi ensures each creative project looks fantastic, functions well and fulfils business goals. Her relentless perfectionism and stunning designs are vital for bringing client's visions to life.

Xixi Ma

Head of UX & Design

Motivated by their interest in the intersection of communication and technology, Rebel creates content strategies that attract and engage target audiences, driving business goals. And if they aren't sure how, Rebel undertakes User Research projects to find out.

Rebel Boylan

Senior UX & Content Strategist

Tom's passion for language and storytelling allows him to bring a fresh perspective to creative projects. Tom takes pride in the small details of his work and develops a deep understanding of our clients, their industries, and business needs.

Tom Cockram

Copywriter & Marketing Coordinator

Our proven user research process

Step 1: Discovery

At the start of any User Research project, we'll meet with you for a kick-off to discuss your goals for your new site and any preferences you have. During this meeting, we'll confirm the scope of work to be completed and the project deliverables. We'll also delve into your target audience, business objectives, and any existing data you have.

Step 2: Planning

In this phase, we develop a detailed research plan tailored to your specific needs. We determine the most appropriate research methods (e.g., card sorting, usability testing, persona development), define research questions, recruit participants, and create necessary materials like surveys or test scripts. We ensure the plan aligns with your budget and timeline.

Step 3: Testing

This is where the actual research takes place. We conduct user interviews, usability tests, surveys, and other research activities as outlined in the plan. We collect both qualitative and quantitative data, carefully observing user behaviours and gathering feedback. Our team ensures a smooth and comfortable experience for all participants.

Step 4: Analysis and reporting

Once the testing is complete, we analyse the collected data to identify key insights and patterns. We compile our findings into a comprehensive report that includes actionable recommendations. Our reports are clear, concise, and focused on metrics that matter to your business. We present the findings to you and discuss the next steps for implementation.

Frequently asked questions

Why is user research important for my website?

User research helps you understand your target audience's needs, behaviours, and preferences. This leads to a website that is more user-friendly, engaging, and effective at achieving your business goals. It reduces guesswork and ensures you're building a site that resonates with your actual users.

What types of user research methods does ALYKA use?

ALYKA employs a range of user research methods, including card sorting, tree testing, usability testing, heatmap reporting, audience persona development, and journey mapping. We tailor our approach to best suit your specific needs and objectives.

How does user research fit into the overall website development process?

User research is an integral part of our website development process. It informs our discovery, requirements, design, and development phases, ensuring that the final product is user-centred and effective.

Hear from our user research clients

ALYKA conducted user research, validated with data, and meticulously redesigned our website with the everyday Swan customer in mind. Their commitment to accessibility and usability was evident throughout the project lifecycle. The site's intuitive navigation, clean design, and improved language have received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback since its launch. We’re stoked with the recognition of this global award.

Declan Allen Digital Coordinator Communications and Engagement/City of Swan

User research projects we’ve worked on

City of Swan

Kentico Global Site of the Year

Playbook Journey Completion

70%

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Ready to unlock vital customer insights?

Get in touch with the ALYKA team to find out how User Research can improve customer experience.

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User Research

Navigation and sitemap testing

Website engagement and conversion

Audience personas and journey mapping