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7 strategies and tactics for Usability

What is Usability strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Identifying the optimal Usability strategy can be challenging, especially when everyday tasks consume your time. To help you, we've assembled a list of examples to ignite your creativity.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own Usability strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Usability strategy examples

We've added many examples of Usability tactics, including a series of action items. We hope that this will make these examples as practical and useful as possible.

Strategies and tactics for improving User-Centric Design and Branding Consistency

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement User-Centric Design Testing Processes

    • Conduct usability testing sessions with 200 users across Edubanc, EdPay, PayFlex, and Tuition Invoicing
    • Collaborate with operations, marketing, and product teams to identify and prioritise the top 5 design issues
    • Organise 2 focus group testing sessions for Edubanc and PayFlex to gather initial usability feedback
    • Design and integrate a systematic feedback collection process into Edubanc and EdPay product workflows
    • Establish a timeline for regular usability testing to ensure ongoing user feedback integration
    • Analyse usability testing data to highlight recurring themes and areas needing improvement
    • Schedule bi-weekly cross-functional meetings to address feedback findings with relevant stakeholders
    • Deploy changes based on identified design issues and re-test to confirm resolution
    • Create follow-up surveys post-testing to gauge user satisfaction and experience
    • Document all findings and improvements as case studies to inform future design processes

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop and Enforce Unified Branding Guidelines

    • Create a comprehensive branding guide that covers all visual and messaging aspects for all products
    • Apply the branding guide to five key product interfaces by conducting iterative design updates
    • Conduct training sessions for the entire design team to familiarise them with the new branding guidelines
    • Develop a checklist for designers to ensure adherence to branding guidelines in every project
    • Set up a review board tasked with overseeing branding consistency across ongoing projects
    • Create template assets that comply with the branding guide for easy reuse
    • Involve the marketing team in the branding guide creation to align brand messaging with design
    • Track the impact of updated interfaces on user experience and brand perception through feedback channels
    • Host quarterly workshops to revise and update the branding guidelines as necessary
    • Gather cross-team feedback to ensure the branding guide remains practical and user-focused

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Optimise Design Processes for Improved Efficiency

    • Map current design processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies
    • Set specific time reduction goals for design turnaround, such as reducing feature design completion from 20 to 17 days
    • Establish a shared asset library for design components to boost reuse and efficiency
    • Organise monthly cross-functional reviews to ensure operations, marketing, and growth feedback are integrated
    • Implement A/B testing protocols on onboarding flow designs to validate potential efficiency gains
    • Incorporate design tools and analytics for tracking asset utilisation and workflow progress
    • Run training sessions on advanced design tools and processes to enhance team capabilities
    • Measure and report on efficiency metrics, presenting these findings in team meetings
    • Iterate and refine processes continually based on feedback and performance data
    • Create a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback sessions and design retrospectives
user-centric-designbranding-consistencydesignerbranding-manageroperationsmarketing
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Strategic Framework for Improving Operational Performance of Low-Cost Housing

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance design parameters

    • Utilise locally available materials for sustainable design solutions
    • Implement passive architectural strategies for natural lighting and ventilation
    • Incorporate renewable energy technologies like solar panels to enhance energy efficiency
    • Design flexible floor plans and multifunctional rooms for improved spatial efficiency
    • Prioritise thermal comfort through insulation and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
    • Integrate local architectural elements and public art to enhance cultural relevance
    • Ensure soundproofing through the use of double-glazed windows and acoustic insulation
    • Create large windows and skylights to minimise reliance on artificial lighting
    • Include operable vents to improve natural ventilation and air quality
    • Conduct participatory design sessions to reflect actual needs and preferences

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Improve construction quality

    • Use high-quality and durable construction materials to ensure longevity
    • Establish rigorous quality control mechanisms during construction phases
    • Ensure the ability to detect and prevent leakages through effective waterproofing
    • Incorporate fire-resistant design elements like alarms and extinguishers
    • Address moisture and mold issues with proper construction techniques
    • Enhance communication and management during the construction process
    • Use sound construction practices to prevent poor workmanship
    • Provide training for construction workers on best building practices
    • Ensure timely interventions in case of deviations from quality standards
    • Facilitate collaboration between stakeholders to share best practices

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Optimise maintenance protocols

    • Implement proactive and routine maintenance schedules to ensure longevity
    • Address maintenance cost challenges by budgeting and planning effectively
    • Prioritise cleaning and maintenance to ensure indoor air quality
    • Ensure reliable water and power supply access, especially on upper floors
    • Engage residents in self-management and upkeep of properties
    • Develop a system for timely response to repair requests and issues
    • Facilitate workshops to educate residents on personal maintenance practices
    • Ensure regular inspections to detect potential issues early
    • Establish partnerships with service providers for reliable maintenance support
    • Create a community maintenance fund to manage and finance upkeep
operational-performancesustainable-designconstruction-managermaintenance-coordinatordesign-teamquality-control-team
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Strategies and tactics for designing Metrics for KPI Application

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish functionality metrics

    • Create a detailed list of all functionalities provided by the application
    • Define measurement criteria for each functionality (e.g., availability of report creation, performance reviews, notifications)
    • Conduct user surveys to assess adequacy of existing functionalities to user needs
    • Compile a report on the number and type of functions offered versus user requirements
    • Develop a scoring system to rate the application's functionalities
    • Organise focus groups to gain qualitative insights on functionality adequacy
    • Implement a feedback mechanism within the application for users to suggest additional functionalities
    • Regularly update the functionality list based on evolving user needs
    • Benchmark functionality against similar applications in the market
    • Schedule periodic reviews to reassess the functionality metrics

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement usability metrics

    • Develop training sessions and materials for new users to measure initial learning time
    • Conduct user surveys to evaluate ease of use and gather qualitative feedback
    • Implement analytics to track the number of clicks required to complete common tasks
    • Create usability test scripts to perform regular usability testing
    • Analyse survey data to identify usability pain points
    • Iterate on application design based on usability testing and user feedback
    • Conduct A/B testing to compare usability improvements
    • Set up a user feedback loop to continually gather usability insights
    • Benchmark usability metrics against industry standards
    • Implement continuous monitoring to track usability metric changes over time

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Measure performance metrics

    • Implement monitoring tools to track application response times under different loads
    • Set up performance benchmarks based on desired throughput levels
    • Track resource utilisation, including CPU and memory usage, during different operations
    • Conduct stress testing to determine application limits
    • Analyse performance data to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement
    • Regularly review throughput metrics to ensure they meet performance targets
    • Optimise the application's code to improve performance based on monitoring data
    • Set up alerts for unusual spikes in resource utilisation
    • Schedule performance reviews and optimise based on collected data
    • Compare application's performance metrics with industry standards
usabilityperformanceproject-managerux-designerdevelopment-teamqa-team
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Strategies and tactics for improving Operational Performance of Low-Cost Housing

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Incorporate sustainable design practices

    • Utilise locally available and eco-friendly materials
    • Implement passive architectural designs to enhance natural lighting
    • Incorporate renewable energy technologies like solar panels
    • Design flexible floor plans to maximize space usability
    • Include large windows and skylights for better ventilation
    • Add landscaping and public art to enhance aesthetics
    • Implement shading devices for improved thermal comfort
    • Facilitate community participation in design workshops
    • Ensure designs align with occupants’ cultural and functional needs
    • Conduct design reviews to ensure continuous improvements

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement robust maintenance protocols

    • Conduct regular maintenance checks and repairs
    • Ensure timely interventions to prevent damage escalation
    • Use high-quality construction materials for durability
    • Maintain records of maintenance activities for accountability
    • Train residents in basic maintenance tasks
    • Set up a responsive maintenance request system
    • Implement preventive maintenance to reduce costs
    • Schedule regular inspections for sanitary and electrical systems
    • Address indoor air quality issues through regular cleaning
    • Collaborate with professional maintenance services for expertise

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Optimise spatial planning and construction quality

    • Design multifunctional rooms and adequate storage solutions
    • Incorporate acoustic insulation to mitigate noise pollution
    • Prioritise room sizes and layout to enhance comfort
    • Ensure effective communication during construction processes
    • Implement rigorous quality control during construction phases
    • Use durable materials suited to environmental conditions
    • Address fire safety with alarms and fire-resistant materials
    • Facilitate stakeholder consultations to align with needs
    • Optimize layouts for natural lighting and ventilation
    • Ensure continuous improvement through post-occupancy evaluations
sustainable-designmaintenance-protocolsarchitectmaintenance-technicianconstruction-teamdesign-team
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Strategies and tactics for driving product usability

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct user research

    • Identify key user groups and personas based on current user demographics
    • Create a questionnaire to gather user feedback on current UX pain points
    • Organise and conduct user interviews or surveys with a diverse user group
    • Utilise analytics tools to track user behaviour patterns
    • Host usability testing sessions to observe real-time user interactions
    • Compile data to highlight common UX issues and user complaints
    • Generate a comprehensive report detailing findings from research
    • Share insights with the design and development teams
    • Establish a feedback loop with users for ongoing improvement
    • Define success metrics based on user satisfaction and engagement

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance design interface

    • Map out user journeys and identify friction points within the interface
    • Redesign interface components focusing on simplicity and clarity
    • Ensure design consistency across all user interfaces and touchpoints
    • Workshop potential layouts and design solutions with the design team
    • Incorporate user feedback from research into design proposals
    • Develop prototypes for new design concepts to gather initial feedback
    • Regularly test design iterations with a user group for continuous refinement
    • Collaborate with developers to implement design changes effectively
    • Conduct A/B testing to evaluate the impact of design changes on usability
    • Continuously monitor and refine design based on user feedback and data

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Improve interaction elements

    • Analyse existing interaction elements and document usability issues
    • Prioritise improvements based on the biggest impact on usability
    • Simplify navigation elements to enhance user flow and accessibility
    • Incorporate responsive design to improve interaction on all devices
    • Update micro-interactions to provide users with instant feedback
    • Utilise colour and contrast effectively to highlight key actions
    • Refine call-to-action buttons to make them more visible and engaging
    • Conduct accessibility testing to ensure ease of use for all users
    • Gather continuous user feedback on interaction elements post-implementation
    • Measure the effectiveness of changes by tracking user engagement metrics
usabilityuser-experienceux-researcherproduct-designerdesign-teamdevelopment-team
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Strategies and tactics for introducing Application Quality Metrics

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Measure functionality metrics

    • Identify all functionality provided by the application, including core and additional features
    • Classify functionalities into categories (e.g. report creation, performance assessment, notifications)
    • Conduct user need assessments to determine relevance of each functionality
    • Survey users to evaluate the conformity of features to their needs
    • Create a scoring system to measure feature suitability
    • Review user feedback regularly to identify new functionality requirements
    • Prioritise development efforts to address mismatched functionality
    • Use analytics tools to track usage of each functionality
    • Conduct workshops or focus groups to validate the necessity of new features
    • Regularly update documentation to reflect available features and their suitability

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance usability metrics

    • Create a thorough user onboarding process to reduce learning time
    • Develop user training materials and video tutorials
    • Conduct usability testing sessions with new users to measure learning time
    • Implement user surveys to gauge ease of use
    • Analyse survey results to identify usability pain points
    • Streamline commonly used workflows to reduce the number of clicks required
    • Implement A/B testing to compare different user interface designs
    • Regularly review and update user interface based on usability feedback
    • Provide an in-app help feature for real-time assistance
    • Track and analyse user session data to find opportunities for usability improvements

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Optimise performance metrics

    • Perform baseline performance testing to determine current response times
    • Set target response times for critical user actions
    • Implement monitoring tools to track response times continuously
    • Conduct load testing to determine application throughput under various conditions
    • Optimise code to enhance throughput capabilities
    • Use profiling tools to identify and address bottlenecks in resource utilisation
    • Implement caching strategies to improve response times
    • Review and optimise database queries and access patterns
    • Regularly update hardware and software to maintain optimal performance
    • Document performance trends and improvement measures

  • ⛳️ Strategy 4: Ensure reliability metrics

    • Log all system failures and analyse root causes
    • Implement redundancy and failover mechanisms to increase MTBF
    • Schedule regular maintenance checks to preemptively address potential failures
    • Develop a fast and effective system repair protocol to reduce MTTR
    • Maintain a comprehensive knowledge base for troubleshooting common issues
    • Train team members in quick diagnosis and repair techniques
    • Implement continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to reduce risk of failure during updates
    • Monitor system availability metrics continuously
    • Automate system health checks to ensure high availability
    • Regularly update and test disaster recovery plans

  • ⛳️ Strategy 5: Improve maintainability metrics

    • Conduct code reviews to ensure high code readability standards
    • Implement coding standards and guidelines to maintain consistency
    • Use static code analysis tools to measure and manage code complexity
    • Refactor code regularly to simplify complex sections
    • Maintain comprehensive documentation for the codebase
    • Use automated testing frameworks to identify and fix bugs promptly
    • Track fix times for bugs and aim to reduce this metric over time
    • Implement a version control system to manage code changes effectively
    • Encourage pair programming to improve knowledge sharing and code quality
    • Conduct technical debt assessments and prioritise addressing high-impact areas

  • ⛳️ Strategy 6: Ensure portability metrics

    • Test application compatibility across different platforms (web, iOS, Android)
    • Implement a modular architecture to enhance platform compatibility
    • Document platform-specific requirements and adjustments needed
    • Use cross-platform development frameworks where appropriate
    • Develop platform-specific testing protocols to ensure consistent behaviour
    • Monitor user feedback on different platforms to detect compatibility issues
    • Create a detailed migration plan for moving to new platforms
    • Perform pilot migrations to identify and solve potential issues
    • Maintain a repository of compatibility and migration issues
    • Regularly review and update portability plans based on new platform developments
quality-metricsapplication-improvementsoftware-engineerquality-assurance-analystdevelopment-teamuser-experience-(ux)-team
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Strategies and tactics for transitioning to a Data-Driven Culture in DRC OpCo

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Expand Data Literacy and Training Programmes

    • Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify specific data literacy gaps across departments
    • Develop tailored training modules focusing on Power BI, data analysis, and other relevant tools
    • Set up a training schedule with mandatory participation across all levels
    • Assign training champions in each department to facilitate ongoing education
    • Use a blended learning approach, incorporating online resources and in-person workshops
    • Track and measure training uptake and competency improvement using assessments
    • Reward employees for successful completion of training sessions with recognition or incentives
    • Include data literacy as a key component in performance evaluations
    • Review and update training content regularly to ensure relevance and effectiveness
    • Create an internal data literacy certification programme to formalise skill acquisition

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance Data Governance and Quality Management

    • Establish a clear data governance policy with defined roles and responsibilities
    • Create a Reporting Council to oversee the implementation of data standards
    • Standardise data formats and classification across all functions
    • Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with data standards
    • Develop a data quality dashboard to track and report on data hygiene
    • Implement data quality training sessions for employees responsible for data input
    • Set up a feedback loop for employees to report data quality issues
    • Integrate governance processes into daily operations to ensure consistent practice
    • Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to harmonise data handling practices
    • Introduce a data ownership model to instill accountability for data quality

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Model Data-Driven Leadership and Cultural Change

    • Train leadership in data-driven decision-making and role modelling behaviours
    • Conduct workshops showing the benefits of data-driven culture transformation
    • Set up regular forums where leaders discuss data-driven successes and challenges
    • Incorporate data-driven goals into leadership performance metrics
    • Launch internal campaigns to communicate the strategic importance of data use
    • Highlight data-driven initiatives through internal communications and newsletters
    • Establish mentorship programmes pairing experienced leaders with emerging data champions
    • Recognise and reward leaders who effectively champion data-driven culture
    • Embed data-driven principles into organisational values and mission statements
    • Facilitate storytelling events where leaders share real-world impacts of data-driven actions
data-driven-culturedata-literacytraining-championdata-governance-officerdata-governance-teamleadership-team
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How to track your Usability strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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