User-lab

User-lab is a research and development lab exploring usability issues pertinent to art and design, innovative digital technologies and electronic learning tools

Our lab / testing facilities and production studio are based at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, Birmingham City University. The lab undertakes commercial, academic and creative projects with a wide range of internal and external clients.

Background

User-lab was established in 2000 with a capital grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England. We have since worked on a variety of research and commercial projects exploring usability, user-centred design and accessibility. We have developed relationships with clients in the creative industries, museums and galleries sector, and clients who appreciate the unique approach we offer from our arts background and setting.

Working with User-lab

User-lab projects and activities take on many forms, such as designing accessible web sites and interactives, expert reviews, web site user-testing, user research through focus groups and desk research. Our services describe some of the ways we work with people, but many of our most interesting relationships develop through conversations about specific requirements. Some of these are on a short basis, where input is required to inform a larger design or research process. In other instances we take projects from opening discussion, through research and development, to final delivery. You can find out more about current key projects here.

We are happy to informally discuss your project with you, by phone or in person.