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Let us start with a simple explanation of the word “task”. A task is something someone wants to do using your website or app. If you have a technology website, then tasks might include pricing, installation, and troubleshooting. If you have a university website, then tasks might include courses, lecturer/professor profiles, and accommodation. If you have a hospital website, then tasks might include what to do: before treatment, during treatment, and after treatment. If you are running an intranet, then tasks might include training, finding people, pay, and benefits. If you have a website for vaccines, then tasks might include immunity, side effects, and availability.
Now, “Top Tasks” focus on the task itself. Once identified, the next steps include measuring whether people are successful at completing the Top Tasks, and how long it takes them. You’re always trying to improve completion rates and reduce completion times for Top Tasks. It’s about focusing on the outcome from a user’s perspective, rather than the input (content, code, design).
When Should You Consider Using Top Tasks?