Shift Learning

Shift Learning is a consultancy and market research agency which specialises in the education and medical sector. We are experts in marketing research and website research, including usability and accessibility testing.

Over the last 10 years we have worked on a great variety of successful projects, some of which we have presented here as case studies. Many of the projects we work on are confidential, so only a small selection of the projects are mentioned here. 

Examples of our research work

Oxford Brookes University – Foundation degree in film and digital media case study           

Analysis of employer telephone interviews provided Oxford Brookes with a clear overview of the qualifications, skills and in-work training patterns employed the film and digital media industry; and provided solid foundations on which to make recommendations for future development of a foundation degree programme. 

Pearson Education –A Level computer science specification case study 

Pearson Education we’re able to involve university computer science lecturers in the development of the specification content for a new A Level computer science qualification. The use of online focus groups leveraged contact with a representative range of institutions from a geographically diverse area.  

 The Learning Trust, Hackney - schools research project in multiple languages                       

The Learning Trust was able to gain a real insight into the views of parents and pupils regarding changes to education within Hackney. We conducted telephone interviews in 7 languages as part of the research.

NCFE  - research into E-Portfolios

Following this research project NCFE was able to access valuable data on the use of e-portfolio systems in their centres. This information has proved useful in assessing future plans to adopt an e-portfolio system.

 

The College of Continuing Education, Walsall - Further Education institution research project  

As a result of our research the college was able to establish the needs of Walsall's ethnic minority communities and establish stronger lines of communication.

Wiley-Blackwell - Higher Education textbook development case study 

Wiley-Blackwell has benefited from Shift Learning's experience in textbook development by using us as an outsourced development department for some of Blackwell’s Higher Education textbooks in business, social science and humanities. 
 

Examples of our search engine optimisation work

Strategic Analysis of King’s College London, Department of War Studies Online Masters Degrees Websites

King's College gained advice on their online strategy which allowed it to improve its search engine optimisation, choice of keywords, ad campaigns and website effectiveness.

Search Engine Optimisation Review of the BBC Active Programme Catalogue

After implementing our SEO strategy BBC Active was able to significantly improve both their search engine ranking and the user experience.

Examples of our usability and accessibility work

Emerald - Website usability case study 

This research enabled verification of website users profiles, to which clear business objectives could be aligned, and highlighted recommendations for change, using a three point scale, that would give its website clear purpose for these confirmed personas. 

BMJ - comparison of the usability and effectiveness of different point-of-care electronic systems for BMJ

BMJ was able to compare the usage of different point-of-care systems when used in real clinical scenarios.

Palgrave Macmillan - usability testing of their website

Palgrave Macmillan made significant changes to their book catalogue website as a result of this usability test and was able to prioritise future development work.

Letts and Lonsdale - usability testing of their new website

Letts and Lonsdale gained an insight into the positive and negative aspects of their new website, ensuring several potential barriers to purchase were corrected before the site was launched.

Collins Education - usability testing of an electronic product for schools  

Collins found that working with an external agency for their usability testing provided unbiased feedback, fresh ideas and expert solutions to the usability problems highlighted by Shift Learning.

Routledge - Colloquial Italian - overhaul of the companion site for accessibility   

Routledge was pleased to be able to offer the students of the Colloquial Italian book an interactive quiz website which was easy to navigate and accessible to those suffering from disabilities.