2020 has not been a good year for most. Countries around the world are struggling due to the unfortunate and unfavorable effects of COVID-19 to their economic and health standing. Businesses were not safe as well, as news of numerous companies downsizing and closing down have circulated and have been shared online, which affected the livelihood of millions of people. The lock down and quarantine measures implemented in different countries jeopardize the earnings of various businesses operating in their physical stores, as most people started working from home and ordering their daily needs online. However, a user experience consultant may think otherwise as there are opportunities to develop and promote digital products to show customers dedicated attention and care during these tough times.

Some may think that they should stop developing new digital products that they can offer the general public, but ideally, they shouldn’t. People who are still on lock down and working from the comforts of their home continue to search and use various digital products. Can you just imagine if you’ll be able to carry out extensive user research and app usability testing to produce or develop products? It will prove to be beneficial for your business and employees. However, keep in mind that your company should be presenting its offerings as carefully as possible because you don’t want to be viewed as insensitive — that you’re ignoring the plight of your loyal and new customers.

Testing may not be an option right now because monitoring the changes in user behavior may be affected, but there are some things that you can opt do:

1. Offering what the public needs right now. You may have hundreds or even thousands of products that you can offer the general public. However, if what you’re offering are non-essential products, then there’s a high chance that it will not be as popular as it was before. For example, instead of offering them non-essential products, why not offer them care and grooming items? There's a big chance that they will need it and it can be considered as a basic necessity.

2. It’s time to make changes to your website. In addition to digital products, a user experience consultant will also be an aid to make the necessary changes to your website. A faster order process or improved page speed will be useful now that more and more people are doing their searching and ordering online. Websites and mobile applications that are lagging every time it is being used will not leave a good impression for your business as it will force the users to go to the next site or application. If you’ve been eyeing to improve and make your website SEO-friendly or update valuable information such as store hours, etc. then proceed in doing so.

3. Developing an application that the general public needs. Mobile applications that can help people ordering necessities online, or students shifting to studying at home are growing today. If you and your choice of agency have already started on user research and app usability testing, then now is the ideal time to launch and finish it right now.

COVID-19 may have adverse effects on how companies operate their businesses nowadays. But with the help of a skilled user experience consultant to provide businesses with valuable information, getting through the crisis will be more of a challenge than a struggle.