Statistics Canada's website modernization usability testing, June to July 2025
Introduction
Between June and July 2025, Statistics Canada conducted usability testing with external users to better understand how people interact with the website—from initial searches and navigation to interpreting the key data and products they discovered. Participants with varying levels of familiarity with the site (novice, intermediate, and power users) were asked to complete common, real-world tasks, such as locating data tables, analytical products, and key indicators. Their feedback provides valuable insight into what works well, where users encounter friction, and how the website can better support efficient navigation, content discovery and understanding of the content at hand.
The testing also put fresh design concepts for The Daily—the agency's flagship publication—into the hands of real users. Their feedback is shaping the new look and feel of The Daily, set to launch in late 2026.
This report summarizes the key themes that emerged from the testing and highlights opportunities to strengthen usability across the Statistics Canada website.
Who we heard from
Statistics Canada conducted one-on-one usability testing sessions with 29 external participants from program policy and advocacy, education and research, data services, business, media and the public. The sessions explored usability, navigation, content clarity and discoverability, testing both the current website and proposed design concepts. Most sessions were conducted in English, with a few in French. Participants spanned all regions of the country.
The testing included participants with diverse levels of experience navigating the Statistics Canada website. Power users often accessed the site regularly for data and research purposes, while members of the public reported less frequent use and were more likely to visit the site for learning, validation or personal interest. This mix provided a broad perspective on how different audiences interact with our website and where improvements could have the greatest impact.
What we heard: Key findings
Finding information isn't always straightforward
- Participants said that while Statistics Canada's content is credible, comprehensive and valuable, finding the right information often takes more time and effort than expected, particularly for users who are less familiar with the site.
- Users told us that locating the right data table—especially when specific geographies, time periods or formats were required—was often complex. Tasks involving historical comparisons, percentages or different reference periods frequently required multiple attempts.
- The search function was the most common starting point for many users. While some felt the search improved at the time of testing when compared to previous experiences, others said results were unclear, outdated or poorly ranked—particularly for data driven queries. When the website search failed to quickly surface what they needed, users often turned to external search engines.
- Participants noted that multiple entry points and overlapping labels (such as Data, Analysis, Geography and Census) can make it difficult to know where to begin research. While subject pages were appreciated, users said clearer pathways would help them navigate with more confidence.
Well-known products had high completion rates, but content expectations vary
- Users were more successful in completing their tasks when they involved well-known products like The Daily, Census Profile, the Labour Force Survey and the National Occupational Classification. Less familiar tools and features—such as the Population Clock, Data Story events, StatsCAN Plus and Feeds—were often harder to discover without guidance.
- The Daily continues to be a highly valued source of timely information—in fact, 63% of the usability participants use this flagship publication. Users appreciated its consistency, credibility and inclusion of tables and charts. However, expectations around its content varied. Some preferred concise, newsletter style updates, while others valued deeper analytical context. Several participants highlighted the importance of the "Notes to Readers" feature found at the bottom of Daily releases and suggested that this section be easier to find and read. Some also said they rely on the PDF version for accessibility or easier sharing.
Design concepts were generally well received
- Participants generally responded positively to the refreshed homepage and Daily design concepts, describing them as cleaner and more visually appealing. The inclusion of key indicators was seen as helpful, particularly for frequent users. However, participants also raised questions about accessibility, mobile use and how indicators are selected and labelled—especially for less experienced users.
How this feedback will inform ongoing web modernization efforts
- Participants highlighted the need for clearer distinctions between data, analysis, and news content; more visible cues for the most relevant and up-to-date results; better support for geography-based searches; simpler comparisons over time; and plain-language explanations of tools, terms, and data formats. They also emphasized the value of making both key features and lesser-known products easier to find.
- Insights from this usability testing will directly inform the next phase of Statistics Canada's website modernization, guiding targeted improvements to search, navigation, data presentation, and product visibility. These findings will also directly support the late-2026 launch of the redesigned Daily web module.
- As the agency's flagship publication, The Daily is a critical tool for high-impact users and Canadians who rely on timely, trusted data to inform decisions and improve outcomes across the country. Strengthening how users' access and navigate this content will further enhance the accessibility and usability of Statistics Canada data—supporting better-informed decision-making and a stronger evidence base for Canada.