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We have held a number of stakeholder workshops recently, a key stage in our web strategy, design and development process.

We are continually researching, developing, implementing and honing our processes for web strategy, design and development but it really feels like the majority of our clients are now willing to dedicate the time to really understand the users of their website, what they need and want and how the website can satisfy that, alongside the business objectives.

SO, WHAT’S A STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP?

It’s bringing together stakeholders from different departments within the company for an “all-in” discussion about the website. This is done through discussion, game playing and brainstorming. Titles are left at the door, and everyone has equal opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas free of judgment or bias. It’s the opportunity for the client team to brainstorm and think freely outside the box, albeit in a structured and controlled atmosphere to keep the discussion on topic. For us, it’s the perfect opportunity to gain a better understanding of the key requirements and outcomes expected of the project and quite often, bring to light key elements that may not have been addressed in the initial brief.

GAME PLAYING

This can often give people horrors – imagining role-play and the like. Fear not, the games can be fun and often produce the most interesting results for us. I wanted to share one in particular with you today:

What’s on your box? Imagine your company’s website is being sold on a supermarket shelf. Not the company itself, or it’s product or service (although, they of course all influence the website) but the website itself. You are sitting amongst a sea of other boxes selling websites within your industry, so what is going to make the consumer choose yours?

Consider both the front and back of the box. What’s going to grab attention and cause that busy person striding down the aisle to notice your box and stop to read a little more? Your key message or perhaps the illuminous starburst in the corner if you like (this is a classily design box!). Once you have caught their attention, what’s going to keep them there and perhaps even pick your box up and read the back. What’s going to ensure they think your website is the right one for them?

HERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS TO MULL OVER WHEN THINKING ABOUT WHAT WOULD FEATURE:

• What is going to engage/excite the consumer?
• Have you answered the users needs?
• Have you answered the users wants?
• What is you core proposition?
• Is your information clear and concise?
• What are your key features?
• What is going to make a consumer choose your box rather than the competitions?

You can learn more from the undercover ux design team at undercoverux.com/resources.

It’s a great way to focus your thinking to ensure you utilise that small surface area of the box in the most strategic way possible.

Written by: Jo Whelan
Published: November 19, 2014
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