The Web Usability Podcast

Lucy Collins from Web Usability
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Join Lucy Collins, Director of Web Usability, as we explore what it takes to make the web a more accessible and enjoyable place for everyone. Whether you're a website owner, developer, or just a curious mind, we're here to share insights, tips, and stories that can help you improve the user experience of your digital world. Web Usability is an established User Experience (UX) agency. We are UX specialists. We provide inclusive UX research and advice to optimise your digital services. If you need a transcript of our podcasts, just visit our website at www.webusability.co.uk.

  1. Minisode how to build a website correctly with David Austin Roses

    FEB 12

    Minisode how to build a website correctly with David Austin Roses

    Summary In this minisode, Lucy Collins sits down with Richard Austin, Director at David Austin Roses. The discussion focuses on why the redesign became necessary, the shift toward a mobile-first approach, and the challenge of supporting both long‑standing customers and newer audiences. Richard emphasises the value of user research, evidence-based decision-making, and taking a methodical, user‑centric approach to creating a site that delivers better user experience and improved business performance. Keywords website development, user experience, mobile-first, user research, evidence-based decision-making, Takeaways User research is essential for making confident, evidence-based decisions.Mobile‑first design is increasingly critical as user behaviour shifts toward mobile devices.A successful website balances existing customer needs with emerging audience expectations.Even well-performing websites benefit from periodic review and refresh.Clear discovery, personas, and testing (such as tree testing) keep teams aligned on what users actually need. Sound Bites "I absolutely loved the information architecture tree testing" "Invest whatever you can in user research" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:35 Why the website needed a refresh 01:20 The shift to mobile-first 02:05 Balancing older and newer customer groups 03:10 Why user research mattered 04:10 Hopes for improved experience and brand perception 04:45 Closing Thoughts and Wrap-up

    6 min
  2. Ep37 Co-creating safe online spaces

    JAN 28

    Ep37 Co-creating safe online spaces

    Summary In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins and Siobhan Hoy discuss the importance of creating safe online spaces, particularly for vulnerable users. They explore key principles such as user-centered design, the necessity of engaging users from the beginning, and the balance between accessibility and design. The conversation also touches on essential features for crisis support, the role of emerging technologies, and the challenges organizations face in co-creating these spaces. Siobhan shares success stories from her projects, emphasizing the importance of continuous user feedback and the need for organizations to prioritize user safety and accessibility. Takeaways Creating safe online spaces is crucial for vulnerable users.User-centered design should be prioritized in online spaces.Engaging users from the beginning helps avoid assumptions.Payment for participation shows respect for lived experiences.Balancing accessibility with design aesthetics is essential.Crisis signposting is a critical feature for support.Dynamic signposting can enhance user experience based on behavior.Reducing content overwhelm improves user engagement.Emerging technologies like AI require careful risk assessment.Co-creation with users leads to more successful outcomes. Titles Creating Safe Online Spaces: A GuideThe Importance of User-Centered Design Sound Bites "How do we create safe online spaces?""Understanding audience needs is crucial.""AI brings both value and risk."

    30 min
  3. Minisode is your website actually any good?

    JAN 15

    Minisode is your website actually any good?

    SummaryWe explore what makes a great website and how to avoid entering the website hall of shame. In particular, we discuss the importance of usability, findability, and meeting user needs. TakeawaysWebsites fail when they priorities internal messaging over user needs. Users’ top priorities are finding products, reliable delivery, and customer support not brand stories. Trying to meet all possible goals for all users leads to bloated, unusable websites. A successful site requires a clear purpose and focus on the key goals of priority users. Sound Bites“Websites shouldn’t be a push source for organisational messaging they must be user-first.” “Your opinion isn’t important; focus on what customers actually want to know.” “Do you have the product I need? Will it arrive quickly and in good condition?” “You cannot meet all the goals of all users on one website.”

    5 min
  4. Wrapping up 2025

    12/18/2025

    Wrapping up 2025

    Summary In this reflective episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins shares her insights and experiences from the past year as she navigates her role as a leader in a family business. She discusses the evolution of her leadership style, the importance of accessibility and usability in creating an equitable online world, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. As she looks ahead to 2026, Lucy emphasises the need for empathy and understanding in the digital space, aiming to make the web a better place for everyone. Takeaways Reflecting on the past year is essential for growth.Leadership styles can evolve over time.Family businesses have unique challenges and advantages.Accessibility and usability should be integrated in design.Empathy is crucial in leadership and user experience.Work-life balance is a continuous challenge for working parents.Setting boundaries is important for personal well-being.Inclusive design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.Technology can bridge the digital divide if used correctly.The vision for an equitable online world is ambitious but necessary. Sound Bites "Finding my style of leadership.""You know what is best for you.""We're ending 2025 on a high." Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth 05:41 Evolving Leadership and Business Vision 11:20 Integrating Accessibility and Usability 16:59 Balancing Work and Family Life

    22 min
  5. Minisode creating e-Learning that inspires action

    11/27/2025

    Minisode creating e-Learning that inspires action

    Summary In this minsode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins talks with Simeon Quarrie, CEO of Vivida, about the frustrations of traditional workplace learning and how bite-sized, nano content can make training more engaging. Simeon shares how Vivida is applying these ideas to cybersecurity learning. Takeaways Traditional e-learning feels overwhelming and formulaic Learners often “game” courses just to finishBite-sized, nano content sparks curiosity and engagement organisations need to rethink how they draw people into training Sound Bites I was angry because all of a sudden, this whole load of text appeared on the screen.” I did what everyone does… click, click, click, go to the question.”“We have to recognise the way that people are currently consuming content.”

    4 min
  6. Ep35 Making AI work in the real world

    11/12/2025

    Ep35 Making AI work in the real world

    SummaryIn this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins speaks with Dr. Bruno Oliveira about the practical applications of AI in business. They discuss how to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the importance of understanding AI's capabilities, and how organisations can assess their readiness for AI integration. Bruno shares insights on identifying repetitive tasks for automation, creating interactive dashboards, and the role of humans in AI workflows. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, its potential for inclusivity, and exciting trends in technology. takeaways AI can transform how businesses operate and how students learn.Understanding what AI can do is crucial for effective application.Management concepts enhance the use of AI in business contexts.Many people find AI intimidating due to its complexity.Free AI tools often underperform compared to paid versions.Organizations should assess their AI readiness for effective integration.Identifying repetitive tasks is key to leveraging AI.AI can automate processes, freeing up time for strategic work.Inclusivity in AI can enhance accessibility for diverse users.The future of AI includes more autonomous agents that can perform tasks. Sound Bites"AI is such a great topic.""Not all AI is made the same.""Everyone is ready for AI." Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Usability 01:46 Bridging Theory and Practice in AI 05:40 Understanding AI: Overcoming Intimidation and Frustration 09:11 AI Readiness: Assessing Organizational Preparedness 13:06 Identifying Repetitive Tasks for AI Integration 16:52 Creating Consistent AI Workflows 20:56 Real-World AI Implementations in Business 24:45 AI's Role in Inclusivity and Accessibility 28:19 The Future of AI: Autonomous Agents and Human Roles 32:19 Practical Steps for AI Integration

    38 min
  7. Ep34 Debunking common UX myths

    10/23/2025

    Ep34 Debunking common UX myths

    Summary In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, host Lucy Collins and UX consultants Sophie and Ken tackle common myths surrounding user research and usability testing. They discuss the importance of sample size, the cost-effectiveness of testing, the necessity of time in the research process, and the ongoing nature of user research. The conversation also delves into accessibility misconceptions and the creativity that can arise from accessible design, emphasising that user testing should be an integral part of the design process rather than a one-time event. Takeaways Five users can reveal most usability issues.Investing in usability testing saves money long-term.Testing early prevents costly retrofitting later.User research should be ongoing, not one-time.Accessibility impacts a significant portion of users.Accessible design can be innovative and engaging.User needs should guide design, not hypothetical solutions.Testing different versions yields better insights.Don't wait until a product is finished to test it.Good design balances aesthetics with accessibility. Sound Bites "We can't test it until it's finished.""Users don't know what they want.""Accessible design is boring design." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Web Usability Podcast 01:38 Debunking the Myth of Sample Size in User Research 04:50 The Cost of Usability Testing 07:06 The Importance of Time in User Research 09:16 Testing Early and Often 12:57 Understanding User Needs 14:31 The Ongoing Nature of User Research 18:21 Accessibility Myths and Misconceptions 21:35 The Creativity in Accessible Design

    30 min
  8. Ep33. How AI is changing the way we search

    10/09/2025

    Ep33. How AI is changing the way we search

    Summary In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins discusses the transformative impact of AI on SEO and digital marketing with Tom Vaughton, CEO of VARN. They explore the concept of agentic AI, its implications for user behavior, and the evolving landscape of content creation. The conversation emphasises the importance of originality, technical optimisation, and the need for brands to adapt to the changing digital environment. Tom shares insights on the risks and opportunities presented by AI, highlighting the necessity for businesses to invest in their online presence and create genuinely helpful content. Takeaways AI is fundamentally changing the landscape of SEO.Agentic AI represents a shift towards more autonomous decision-making.Businesses must adapt to the evolving digital environment.Originality in content creation is crucial for standing out.Technical optimization remains important in the age of AI.The future of content monetization is uncertain but necessary.Brands need to invest in their online presence as an asset.Testing and learning are essential for success in digital marketing.AI can help legitimate brands thrive in a competitive market.User experience and accessibility will benefit from AI advancements. Titles Navigating the Future of SEO with AIThe Rise of Agentic AI in Digital Marketing Sound Bites "AI is changing SEO forever.""It's harder to cut corners now.""You have to be strategic and original." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Web Usability and AI 01:25 The Evolution of AI in SEO 06:49 Understanding Agentic AI 14:17 The Future of Search and User Behavior 20:17 The Importance of Data and Continuous Learning 26:21 Content Creation in the Age of AI 32:56 Monetisation and the Future of Content Creation Find out more... LinkedIn (2) Tom Vaughton | LinkedIn VARN Specialists in SEO, Search Marketing & Data Analytics | Varn

    36 min
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About

Join Lucy Collins, Director of Web Usability, as we explore what it takes to make the web a more accessible and enjoyable place for everyone. Whether you're a website owner, developer, or just a curious mind, we're here to share insights, tips, and stories that can help you improve the user experience of your digital world. Web Usability is an established User Experience (UX) agency. We are UX specialists. We provide inclusive UX research and advice to optimise your digital services. If you need a transcript of our podcasts, just visit our website at www.webusability.co.uk.

Information

  • Creator
    Lucy Collins from Web Usability
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lucy Collins from Web Usability
  • Show Website
    The Web Usability Podcast