ConnectFive, a research and design company located at the University of Iowa Research Park, recently launched its software product Handrail.  The software-as-a-service, cloud-computing platform supports research used in customer interviews, concept testing, prototype evaluation, and usability tests for the development of new commercial products.

Sean McKay, president and founder of ConnectFive, believes “companies that understand their customers build better experiences.” He created Handrail out of his frustration with the lack of efficient tools to support critical customer research.

Handrail’s name is rooted in the traditional definition of a rail that provides support and guides one on his or her journey. Additionally, the name is a nod to natural handrails associated with hiking and wayfinding. The use of natural handrails while hiking is encouraged as they reduce reliance on numerous tools and reduce the chances of making an error.

Celebrating its tenth year, ConnectFive is a proven user experience research and design company focused on helping clients deliver experiences that are meaningful for users and effective for business. Handrail is ConnectFive’s first software product. You can find out more about ConnectFive at www.connectfive.com and Handrail at www.handrailux.com.

The UI Research Park is part of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, which provides resources and support to researchers and scholars at the University of Iowa and to businesses across Iowa with the goal of forging new frontiers of discovery and innovation and promoting a culture of creativity that benefits the campus, the state, and the world. More at http://research.uiowa.edu, and on Twitter: @DaretoDiscover.