An early focus on user needs ensures that your product is user-centred from the outset, saving time and money during later stages of design.

Field research. We use established 'contextual research' techniques to analyse the behaviour of users in the home, office, or shop — wherever they'll be using your products — shadowing the users in their own environments. This information is a powerful tool for helping you design products that fit into your users' lives, and will drive the rest of the development process along a user-centred path.

Competitive analysis. We evaluate your competitors' products for you, using our user testing techniques. If you already have an existing product, we can even compare it to your competitors' products. The results of our competitive analysis can tell you which of your competitors' features are successful and where their weaknesses are, and which features users care most about. This analysis can help you focus your development efforts where they matter most.

Experience probe. We put together a probe pack which is sent out to a group of participants chosen by you to reflect your target user group. Participants use the contents of the probe pack (e.g. camera, diary) to record their feelings and perceptions of the service in question. Participants may then be called in to discuss their feedback.