Westat offers a cohesive, research-based set of web evaluation and design services to help clients understand the impact of their web sites and to answer important questions for their organizations:
Westat’s services integrate audience-centered communication research with user-centered usability testing.
Organizations need to know the characteristics of the people who visit their web sites. Is the web site reaching the intended audiences? Is it reaching any unanticipated audiences? What do people expect when they visit the site?… more about Audience Analysis
Taking stock of a web site’s content can be a daunting task, especially when the site is large. How applicable is the content of an organization’s web site to the changing goals of users and the organization? How can the content be changed to attract and retain important audiences?… more about Content Analysis
Research shows that users leave a site very quickly if they do not find what they are looking for. How can a web site be made easier to use? What will motivate users to keep coming back?… more about Usability Evaluation
Large web sites often lack a truly coordinated long-range plan for growth. How can a web site’s development be harmonized with evolving goals, expanding content, and advancing technologies?… more about Strategic Planning
As the web becomes a mainstay in government and commerce, web sites must be accessible to all possible visitors. What modifications are necessary to make a web site compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act? How can content be made accessible to visitors across all levels of English proficiency?… more about Accessibility
Observation in a laboratory setting provides a unique perspective on how users interact with a web site. How can you study behavior of real users with a web site or prototype?… more about Westat's Usability Testing Facility