The Benefits of participating in User Research
This article is part two of our series on user research; read part one here: The value of user research in the veterinary field.
From a business standpoint, the importance of user research has been widely discussed. It is generally accepted that regularly conducting user research helps mitigate risks early in the process, allowing teams to identify and address mistakes and assumptions before a product launch. Additionally, it enables the measurement of the return on investment for user experience design. However, there is little literature available on the impact of conducting research for the actual users of the products.
“I enjoyed getting to give my opinion regarding the use of machines that will simplify life as a technician.”
– Anonymous
Influence the future of Animana
As a participant in user research, the biggest outcome is that you influence what gets built, changed, improved or even removed from Animana. When we conduct research, and you tell us your desires and pain points, that is the raw information we use to define what we will work on. We already have an essential source of information from our Customer Support, and we need to support that with additional surveys and more detailed conversations. Therefore, if you participate in research, your opinions, desires, and pains will shape Animana.
A platform accessible to everyone
We want to ensure that Animana can be used by a wide variety of people, regardless of their abilities. This is what we mean by “Accessibility”: making sure software is “useable by as many people as possible“. Accessibility is a crucial aspect of software development, and as a legacy product, Animana has many opportunities to enhance its accessibility. For example, we consider how people with visual impairments or reduced mobility can use Animana – this translates not only into following established design best practices but also into making sure Animana is explicitly accessible. Accessibility also includes testing to ensure all elements are clear, legible, quick to access (or can be navigated using a keyboard), and large enough to read comfortably in various contexts.
Increased efficiency for all types of clinics
Part of the desire to listen to users is that we can build tailored solutions for different situations and tasks. By gathering more information about how people in different clinics utilise a specific feature, we can ensure that the feature meets everyone’s needs.
If you have not participated in research because you work as a receptionist, accountant, or in a specialised practice, and you think, “My issues are too specific” or “Animana is primarily for veterinarians, so it’s understandable that it doesn’t focus on my role,”… That is precisely why you should participate in research! We want to optimise Animana for everyone, but if we only hear from veterinarians or administrators, we lose sight of the complete picture.
More transparency and enhanced satisfaction
Across all IDEXX groups, we’ve found that those participating in research are passionate about their involvement; they feel heard and gain a deeper understanding of how the products they use are built. We often get our users for new research projects from people who already have done research with us in the past (Thanks, Research Crew!), and people even enjoy the process!
“You’ve made this [being part of the research group] enjoyable. I look forward to participating each time an activity comes out.”
– Samantha P
Our Animana research community
Now that you’ve read this, you understand why we want you to be part of our research community. Your knowledge and experience help us improve Animana, one day at a time! We want to be engaged with your challenges and desires as often as possible so we can empower you in your mission to help animals.
Join us in shaping the future of veterinary practice management systems. Your insights are the key to unlocking a better, more efficient, and more enjoyable work experience.
About the author
Carla Jimenez Perez is a User Experience Designer working at IDEXX Animana who specialises in health and wellbeing fields.
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