At Soshal, we always put usability and the user experience first. Understanding the users' needs should be the first step in planning your re-build.

This process can be done before creating your RFP or soliciting agencies. Some agencies prefer to collaborate, if they practice usability and user research. Generally, whoever has the greater capacity (or budget) for execution should be finding the answers to these usability questions:

• Who are our user audiences? What are their demographics? What are their user goals on the site?
• What can analytics teach us about how the current site is being used?
• What devices are being used to access our site? Is this expected to change?
• What are the best practices for website usability in our industry?
• What behaviours and goals do we want users to take on the site?

These questions should produce:

1. User profiles or personas (including goals).
2. Accessibility requirements.
3. Responsive or mobile requirements.
4. Website goals and strategy.