Insights
A day in the life of the QA Engineers at OXD
Discover how OXD ensures great user experiences that meet our clients’ highest standards. Jim Peers, our awesome Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, unveils how his QA team works and the critical role they play in software development.
QA testing is worth the cost now to reduce risks later. Here are five reasons why.
Some companies try to streamline by leaving QA off, but at OXD we recognize that this approach is risky, and in the long view, costly. QA Manager Jim Peers explains why including QA testing in your digital project is worth the cost.
Should you compensate research participants?
OXD UX Designer Hitomi Yokota explores the question, “Should we compensate research participants?” We believe it’s not only essential, but also an ethical requirement.
How to conduct design research with compassion
In the wake of personal tragedy, designer Jacqueline Antalik practices deeper patience and compassion for research participants.
Digital Transformation in Government
OXD spoke with senior managers and director-level public servants across Canada for their perspectives on Digital Transformation.
Three common content migration mistakes, and how to avoid them
Reap the benefits of a successful content migration with these three recommendations.
Your website is not your brand
OXD’s Design Director Kallie Ashenden discusses the importance of a holistic brand approach when it comes to your website.
Toddler-first usability testing
Four observations made from watching a two-and-a-half-year-old use an iPhone.
How to broaden your reach and reduce participant barriers with remote user research
UX Designer Winnie Ho shares how we worked out some of the kinks encountered with remote user research and virtual engagement.
How you can use GBA+ for inclusive analysis in projects
Director of User Experience Jacqueline Antalik discusses the benefits of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)—a tool that helps you see how different genders and diverse people experience policies, programs, and services.
An Agile approach to an anti-racist and inclusive workplace
How do we understand and meaningfully address our part in perpetuating systemic racism? What does it mean to create an anti-racist and inclusive workplace environment?
Digital Transformation as an endurance sport
An OXD Service Designer draws parallels between their experience with endurance sport and their work in digital transformation initiatives with government.
The Indigenization of policies and services in BC: lessons from Te Ao Māori
Reflections on working in the public sector and how British Columbia can move towards the systemic Indigenization of policies and services.
OpenShift: making Agile development a reality for government projects
How and why we used a Platform as Service (PaaS) to help the Ministry of the Attorney General build capacity and improve citizen access to justice.
Illustration: the overlooked design principle
How can illustration help improve the way users experience your product? An OXD Designer explores the question.
Four easy tests to determine if your website is accessible
OXD's QA Manager and web accessibility expert Sophie Repussard shares four simple tests to help you evaluate your website’s accessibility.
Pokémon GO: a great example of safe, ethical children’s entertainment.
Creative Director Wil Arndt gives Pokémon GO four out of five stars when it comes to meeting high ethical standards for kids entertainment.
Thinking ahead: the evolution of content management—the decoupled CMS
Learn about the benefits of decoupled content management.
Design for Policy: bringing a design thinking approach to TransLink’s Fare Review process
TransLink partners with OXD's Service Design team to understand customer experiences during their Transit Fare Review.
How to plan for a smooth replatforming to Drupal 9
Replatforming your legacy CMS to Drupal 9? Software Developer Christine Pan shares some tips to help you avoid the common pitfalls.
Navigating the PIA process in the BC provincial government
An OXD Service Designer reflects on their experience working with the BC Government and offers six tips to make your privacy impact assessment process easier to navigate.
Gratitude in the workplace
Can a simple thanks lead to greater happiness and engagement at work? Jacqueline Antalik, our Director of User Experience, explores the question.
Improving collaboration and design outcomes with empathy
Senior UX Designer Dave Kachman shares his key takeaways from Designing Together, by Dan Brown, including fundamental concepts that are applicable in almost any situation (not just design) to improve collaboration and navigate successful conflict.