How was this site developed?

The website is another example of the projects Persistent Systems Ltd. is contributing to the Pune e-governance initiative. The unique thing about this project is that it was designed and developed using a user centered design methodology by the Usability Engineering team at Persistent.

About the new technique used to create this website:

User centered design methodology is a relatively new concept in India. It has the following benefits:

• Design is based on understanding what users want and then creating the design
• Enables bringing technology to the masses, which is crucial for E- Governance projects
• Since it is a structured and systematic approach to website design, it ensures ease of use and high quality deliverables

Website design methodology

Phase 1 - Data Gathering and Analysis   

• Competitive Content Analysis (NYC gardens, NTBG sites)
• Survey Questionnaire: The questionnaire sought to gather information from pune citizens, pertaining to the most frequently needed information related to gardens in pune, and what they would like to see on the website.
• Data Gathering with 150 users: How would they like to access information related to Gardens
  • Website
  • KIOSK
  • SMS
• Data Analysis

Phase 2 - Information Architecture

• Wireframes
• Detailed Design

Phase 3 - testing

• Low fidelity testing
• High fidelity testing (interactive html prototype)

Phase 4 - Implementation

• Tested with 8 to 10 users
• Users were computer savvy and within Persistent Systems Ltd.
• User Feedback:
  • Relieved to know that Pune Garden Department & PSL were taking an initiative towards a better means of communicating information
  • Hopeful that the site goes live as soon as possible
  • Wish for daily updates on the website to know the critical decision taken by authorities.
  • Insistent on having a detailed and systematic complaint tracking system

About Usability Engineering at Persistent Systems Ltd.

The usability engineering team at Persistent is focused on creating a novel user experience for users of software products. The team comprises of experienced usability practitioners having a collective experience of more than 25 years in this field. Many of the team members have advanced degrees in Human Factors engineering from the US and a global work experience. The team has developed a structured user centered design methodology that can be applied to web based, desktop based software, handheld/mobile products, and interactive voice response systems.

The teams unique expertise helps clients reduce their development and rework costs and helps development teams in creating products that are easy to use for the end users Persistent's UE team has a state of the art in-house usability lab where users are brought in and tested for their performance on the site as well as asked to provide their opinion about the software product being developed.

Acknowledgments

·          Mr. Anup Nair

·          Ms. Chaitrali Dhole

·          Ms. Apara Ranjan

·          Ms. Jhumkee Iyengar

·          Mr. Samir Chabukswar

·          Mr. Vighnesh Prabhudesai

·          Mr. Ritu Routroy

·          Mr. Urvish Jain

·          Mr. Siddhesh Bhobe

·          Mr. Abhijeet More

·          Mr. Jhonson

·          Mr. Yashwant Khaire

·          Mr. Ranjit Gadgil

·          Ms. Tasneem Balasinorwala

·          Mr. Aanchal Sondhi

·          Ms. Smita Kulkarni

·          Mr. Samba Nimmaluri

·          Ms. Swarnalatha Munukutla

We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by Dr. Anand Deshpande, MD Persistent Systems Ltd.