Friends & Relations Website Usability Case Study

The Business

Friendsandrelations.com  is the idea of two long-time friends and work colleagues, Hugh Hastings and Jonathan Haward, who both lost brothers early in their lives, one through terminal illness, the other through a flying accident.

Keen to share fond memories and photos of their brothers with a wide group of friends and relations, Hugh and Jonathan realised that other people might also welcome such a celebratory internet-based service.  In 2005 the pair setup the Friends and Relations website with an aim to provide users with a sanctuary where a person’s life can be celebrated by sharing memorable words and pictures.

Services Used

Friends and Relations asked NetInsight to produce a usability report based on best practice website architecture and conversion rate optimisation theories.

Usability overview

NetInsight started this process by analysing the Friends and Relations website goals and the key site elements used to achieve them. This information was then used to ascertain how best to restructure the site in order to persuade potential customers to perform the desired actions within the site.

Using clear calls to action, colour coded navigation paths and additional persuasive elements, Friends and Relations were provided with a fresh and objective insight into how their online goals could be better achieved.  

Site Alteration Recommendations

NetInsight provided friends and relations with several recommendations as to how their style could be adapted and improved to suit their users’ needs more effectively. The client was provided with a full recommendations brief, which covered all the amendments and requirements needed for the site, within the given budget constraints.

Outcome

Friends and relations implemented all of NetInsight’s recommendations to improve the user experience throughout the website.

Freinds and Relations Website Credits:
Current Site Architecture: NetInsight eBusiness Consultancy
Graphic Design and Site Development: Slightly Different

Information correct as of 27th July 2009