Summary

In this minisode, Lucy Collins sits down with Richard Austin, Director at David Austin Roses. The discussion focuses on why the redesign became necessary, the shift toward a mobile-first approach, and the challenge of supporting both long‑standing customers and newer audiences. Richard emphasises the value of user research, evidence-based decision-making, and taking a methodical, user‑centric approach to creating a site that delivers better user experience and improved business performance.

Keywords

website development, user experience, mobile-first, user research, evidence-based decision-making,

Takeaways

1. User research is essential for making confident, evidence-based decisions.
2. Mobile‑first design is increasingly critical as user behaviour shifts toward mobile devices.
3. A successful website balances existing customer needs with emerging audience expectations.
4. Even well-performing websites benefit from periodic review and refresh.
5. Clear discovery, personas, and testing (such as tree testing) keep teams aligned on what users actually need.

Sound Bites

"I absolutely loved the information architecture tree testing"

"Invest whatever you can in user research"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:35 Why the website needed a refresh

01:20 The shift to mobile-first

02:05 Balancing older and newer customer groups

03:10 Why user research mattered

04:10 Hopes for improved experience and brand perception

04:45 Closing Thoughts and Wrap-up

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins and Siobhan Hoy discuss the importance of creating safe online spaces, particularly for vulnerable users. They explore key principles such as user-centered design, the necessity of engaging users from the beginning, and the balance between accessibility and design. The conversation also touches on essential features for crisis support, the role of emerging technologies, and the challenges organizations face in co-creating these spaces. Siobhan shares success stories from her projects, emphasizing the importance of continuous user feedback and the need for organizations to prioritize user safety and accessibility.

Takeaways

1. Creating safe online spaces is crucial for vulnerable users.
2. User-centered design should be prioritized in online spaces.
3. Engaging users from the beginning helps avoid assumptions.
4. Payment for participation shows respect for lived experiences.
5. Balancing accessibility with design aesthetics is essential.
6. Crisis signposting is a critical feature for support.
7. Dynamic signposting can enhance user experience based on behavior.
8. Reducing content overwhelm improves user engagement.
9. Emerging technologies like AI require careful risk assessment.
10. Co-creation with users leads to more successful outcomes.

Titles

1. Creating Safe Online Spaces: A Guide
2. The Importance of User-Centered Design

Sound Bites

1. "How do we create safe online spaces?"
2. "Understanding audience needs is crucial."
3. "AI brings both value and risk."

We explore what makes a great website and how to avoid entering the website hall of shame. In particular, we discuss the importance of usability, findability, and meeting user needs.

Websites fail when they priorities internal messaging over user needs.

Users’ top priorities are finding products, reliable delivery, and customer support not brand stories.

Trying to meet all possible goals for all users leads to bloated, unusable websites.

A successful site requires a clear purpose and focus on the key goals of priority users.

“Websites shouldn’t be a push source for organisational messaging they must be user-first.”

“Your opinion isn’t important; focus on what customers actually want to know.”

“Do you have the product I need? Will it arrive quickly and in good condition?”

“You cannot meet all the goals of all users on one website.”

Summary

In this reflective episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins shares her insights and experiences from the past year as she navigates her role as a leader in a family business. She discusses the evolution of her leadership style, the importance of accessibility and usability in creating an equitable online world, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. As she looks ahead to 2026, Lucy emphasises the need for empathy and understanding in the digital space, aiming to make the web a better place for everyone.

Takeaways

• Reflecting on the past year is essential for growth.
• Leadership styles can evolve over time.
• Family businesses have unique challenges and advantages.
• Accessibility and usability should be integrated in design.
• Empathy is crucial in leadership and user experience.
• Work-life balance is a continuous challenge for working parents.
• Setting boundaries is important for personal well-being.
• Inclusive design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Technology can bridge the digital divide if used correctly.
• The vision for an equitable online world is ambitious but necessary.

Sound Bites

• "Finding my style of leadership."
• "You know what is best for you."
• "We're ending 2025 on a high."

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth

05:41 Evolving Leadership and Business Vision

11:20 Integrating Accessibility and Usability

16:59 Balancing Work and Family Life

 Summary

In this minsode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins talks with Simeon Quarrie, CEO of Vivida, about the frustrations of traditional workplace learning and how bite-sized, nano content can make training more engaging. Simeon shares how Vivida is applying these ideas to cybersecurity learning.

Takeaways

• Traditional e-learning feels overwhelming and formulaic
• Learners often “game” courses just to finish
• Bite-sized, nano content sparks curiosity and engagement organisations need to rethink how they draw people into training

Sound Bites

• I was angry because all of a sudden, this whole load of text appeared on the screen.”
• I did what everyone does… click, click, click, go to the question.”
• “We have to recognise the way that people are currently consuming content.”

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins speaks with Dr. Bruno Oliveira about the practical applications of AI in business. They discuss how to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the importance of understanding AI's capabilities, and how organisations can assess their readiness for AI integration. Bruno shares insights on identifying repetitive tasks for automation, creating interactive dashboards, and the role of humans in AI workflows. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, its potential for inclusivity, and exciting trends in technology.

takeaways

• AI can transform how businesses operate and how students learn.
• Understanding what AI can do is crucial for effective application.
• Management concepts enhance the use of AI in business contexts.
• Many people find AI intimidating due to its complexity.
• Free AI tools often underperform compared to paid versions.
• Organizations should assess their AI readiness for effective integration.
• Identifying repetitive tasks is key to leveraging AI.
• AI can automate processes, freeing up time for strategic work.
• Inclusivity in AI can enhance accessibility for diverse users.
• The future of AI includes more autonomous agents that can perform tasks.

• "AI is such a great topic."
• "Not all AI is made the same."
• "Everyone is ready for AI."

00:00 Introduction to AI and Usability

01:46 Bridging Theory and Practice in AI

05:40 Understanding AI: Overcoming Intimidation and Frustration

09:11 AI Readiness: Assessing Organizational Preparedness

13:06 Identifying Repetitive Tasks for AI Integration

16:52 Creating Consistent AI Workflows

20:56 Real-World AI Implementations in Business

24:45 AI's Role in Inclusivity and Accessibility

28:19 The Future of AI: Autonomous Agents and Human Roles

32:19 Practical Steps for AI Integration

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, host Lucy Collins and UX consultants Sophie and Ken tackle common myths surrounding user research and usability testing. They discuss the importance of sample size, the cost-effectiveness of testing, the necessity of time in the research process, and the ongoing nature of user research. The conversation also delves into accessibility misconceptions and the creativity that can arise from accessible design, emphasising that user testing should be an integral part of the design process rather than a one-time event.

Takeaways

• Five users can reveal most usability issues.
• Investing in usability testing saves money long-term.
• Testing early prevents costly retrofitting later.
• User research should be ongoing, not one-time.
• Accessibility impacts a significant portion of users.
• Accessible design can be innovative and engaging.
• User needs should guide design, not hypothetical solutions.
• Testing different versions yields better insights.
• Don't wait until a product is finished to test it.
• Good design balances aesthetics with accessibility.

Sound Bites

• "We can't test it until it's finished."
• "Users don't know what they want."
• "Accessible design is boring design."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Web Usability Podcast

01:38 Debunking the Myth of Sample Size in User Research

04:50 The Cost of Usability Testing

07:06 The Importance of Time in User Research

09:16 Testing Early and Often

12:57 Understanding User Needs

14:31 The Ongoing Nature of User Research

18:21 Accessibility Myths and Misconceptions

21:35 The Creativity in Accessible Design

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins discusses the transformative impact of AI on SEO and digital marketing with Tom Vaughton, CEO of VARN. They explore the concept of agentic AI, its implications for user behavior, and the evolving landscape of content creation. The conversation emphasises the importance of originality, technical optimisation, and the need for brands to adapt to the changing digital environment. Tom shares insights on the risks and opportunities presented by AI, highlighting the necessity for businesses to invest in their online presence and create genuinely helpful content.

Takeaways

• AI is fundamentally changing the landscape of SEO.
• Agentic AI represents a shift towards more autonomous decision-making.
• Businesses must adapt to the evolving digital environment.
• Originality in content creation is crucial for standing out.
• Technical optimization remains important in the age of AI.
• The future of content monetization is uncertain but necessary.
• Brands need to invest in their online presence as an asset.
• Testing and learning are essential for success in digital marketing.
• AI can help legitimate brands thrive in a competitive market.
• User experience and accessibility will benefit from AI advancements.

Titles

• Navigating the Future of SEO with AI
• The Rise of Agentic AI in Digital Marketing

Sound Bites

• "AI is changing SEO forever."
• "It's harder to cut corners now."
• "You have to be strategic and original."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Web Usability and AI

01:25 The Evolution of AI in SEO

06:49 Understanding Agentic AI

14:17 The Future of Search and User Behavior

20:17 The Importance of Data and Continuous Learning

26:21 Content Creation in the Age of AI

32:56 Monetisation and the Future of Content Creation

Find out more...

LinkedIn (2) Tom Vaughton | LinkedIn

VARN Specialists in SEO, Search Marketing & Data Analytics | Varn

summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins discusses the critical importance of accessibility and inclusion in digital spaces, emphasising the mantra 'Nothing for us without us.' Drawing from her personal experiences growing up with a disabled parent, she highlights the need for organizations to center disabled voices in their design processes. The conversation explores the role of allies in advocating for accessibility, the challenges organizations face in implementing inclusive practices, and practical strategies for fostering a culture of accessibility. Ultimately, the episode calls for a shift in mindset towards viewing accessibility as an ongoing commitment rather than a checkbox task.

takeaways

• Accessibility is not just a technical requirement; it's a mindset.
• Centering disabled voices leads to better design outcomes.
• Being an ally means advocating for those with lived experiences.
• Organisations must recognize that accessibility is an ongoing journey.
• Empathy is crucial in understanding the needs of disabled users.
• Inclusion should be a core value, not an afterthought.
• Engaging with disabled colleagues can enhance organisational practices.
• Accessibility can drive business success and customer loyalty.
• Progress over perfection is key in accessibility efforts.
• Curiosity about lived experiences fosters a more inclusive environment.

Sound Bites

• "Nothing for us without us."
• "Progress over perfection."
• "Curiosity rather than fear."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Web Usability Podcast

00:59 The Importance of 'Nothing for Us Without Us'

03:41 Personal Experiences Shaping Accessibility Perspectives

06:53 Being an Ally in the Accessibility Space

10:10 Creating Inclusive Experiences

12:52 Advice for Organisations on Accessibility

17:44 Overcoming Barriers to Accessibility

21:27 Championing Accessibility from Within Organisations

24:38 Balancing Business Goals with Accessibility

27:55 Fostering Curiosity in Accessibility Practices

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins speaks with Kaye Moore, MD of Drum, about the importance of digital accessibility and inclusive design. Kaye shares her personal journey into the world of accessibility, shaped by her own health challenges, and discusses the evolution of digital practices over the years. The conversation emphasises the need for education in accessibility, the importance of engaging with the disabled community, and the business case for creating accessible digital experiences. Kaye envisions a future where accessibility is integrated into the design process from the start, making it a fundamental aspect of digital development.

takeaways

• Accessibility is a human right that should be prioritised.
• Personal experiences can profoundly shape one's understanding of accessibility.
• Education on accessibility needs to be integrated into design curricula.
• Engaging with the disabled community is essential for effective design.
• Accessibility tools benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Designing for accessibility can enhance business success and customer loyalty.
• Real representation in design teams leads to better outcomes for all users.
• Clients should be taken on a journey to understand accessibility.
• Compliance is just a starting point; true accessibility goes beyond it.
• The future of digital accessibility should focus on inclusivity and innovation.

Sound Bites

• "We need to design for everyone."
• "Don't just listen; take action."
• "Accessibility is a human right."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Digital Accessibility

01:22 Kaye Moore's Journey and the Birth of Drum

04:50 The Evolution of Digital Accessibility

09:23 The Importance of Education in Accessibility

12:24 Personal Experiences Shaping Accessibility Perspectives

17:32 Designing for Diverse Needs

20:48 Engaging the Disabled Community

24:48 The Business Case for Accessibility

28:52 Future Vision for Digital Accessibility

34:53 Motivation and the Human Right to Accessibility