How has BlueSalmon been tested?

BlueSalmon was subjected to extensive independent usability testing during its development so you can have confidence that it has been fully road-tested.

This page addresses some of the common concerns which people when first hearing about BlueSalmon, drawing on findings from research conducted with Thames Reach, the London-based homelessness charity.

Three Thames Reach service users - Adrian Hillary, Darren Augustin and Meshach Mills (pictured) - carried out peer research with over a hundred Thames Reach clients during the development of BlueSalmon. The quotes on this page are taken from some of the feedback they received during this research.

How will BlueSalmon benefit service users?

For a variety of reasons service users rarely talk about their sense of personal identity, their intimate relationships and their links with family and friends in a structured way in support settings. But these topics are central to service users' sense of well-being and their plans for the future - just as they are for all of us. Overwhelmingly, people said that BlueSalmon addressed the questions which were important to them.

What users said:
"These are questions that relate to my situation"
"Gave me insight"
"Gives you confidence - self-esteem"

How will BlueSalmon benefit the relationship between clients and their support workers?

Service users thought that it would improve their relationship with their support worker as it would help them talk about things which mattered to them. Clients using BlueSalmon are encouraged to go through the questions with a support worker and/or to share their action plan with a support worker. They can then be helped to receive the support they need to fulfil their goals.

What users said:
"This can definitely help to bridge the barrier gap between service users and staff"
"Changed my thinking, found it very enriching...would take my action plan to the support worker"
"Good idea for people who want to get back into normal life"

Are service users able to use computers?

Most service users have access to the internet either through their support organisation or at a public library. Many use the internet regularly for surfing the web or checking email. Those who aren't fully confident using computers want as much chance to practice using them as possible. Most of the service users asked during the research said they had access to a computer and the internet and use them when they have a reason to.

What users said:
"I will definitely use it...I'll go to the library"
"I'm impressed with it. I need to learn computer skills so it's an excuse to learn. I will enjoy using it."

How accessible is BlueSalmon?

BlueSalmon has been designed so that as many people as possible can use it: the language is simple and clear and the graphics are bold and uncluttered. There is also a help button on every page. Users found the site intuitive and easy to use.

What users said:
"I like things plain and simple - it said things in basic English that I can understand"
"It's easy to navigate around"
"Really easy, the help icons are useful".

Will people really use BlueSalmon?

Testing showed that most people are comfortable using the internet and willing to try new ways to improve their lives. Once they have seen the site, most clients are enthusiastic about the possibility it offers for making decisions and taking charge of the future.

Here's what users said:
"I'll definitely use it - I want something which will give me enthusiasm to do stuff"
"It's a very smart project...helps people to reach inside"
"Just the tool I would have used in the past"
"Would definitely use it in the future"
"Some people will use it, some will never use it. I'll definitely use it."