News & Events

Redesigned application process helps Actors’ Fund clients better access the help they need

User experience design firm Usability Matters donates time to project

TORONTO, Ont. – May 27, 2015 – The Actors’ Fund of Canada is pleased to announce the release of their redesigned application process which will better serve the needs of their clients. The new application form will allow entertainment industry professionals in crisis to share their emergency with the Actors’ Fund of Canada in an easy-to-use manner which truly represents the goals of the industry-supported organization to be efficient, compassionate and approachable.

The new client-centric application process is the result of a year-long project with the goal of improving the Fund’s quality of client service. The redesigned application form was created in collaboration with user experience design firm Usability Matters who donated their expertise to the project. Executive Director of the Actors’ Fund of Canada David Hope is thrilled with the results. “Usability Matters was a fantastic collaborator on this project,” said Hope. “They clearly understood the varying needs of the people we serve, whether they are dancers, set decorators, percussionists or screenwriters. Usability Matters have helped us create a new form that truly embodies the principles of our client service approach; friendly, flexible, and understanding.”

Shannah Segal, Principal, Usability Matters, was pleased that the firm was able to work with the Actors’ Fund of Canada. “We are an organization that believes strongly in the arts as a pillar of Canadian culture and society, so the chance to support individuals in these fields was important to us,” said Segal. “Through this project we were able to work closely with the Actors’ Fund team, including Case Coordinator Leah Erbe, to re-imagine all aspects of the application process. We’re delighted that the Fund’s clients are already benefiting from the new process.”

In 2002, Usability Matters was established as the first User Experience firm in Canada. Today, they enjoy an unrivaled reputation for insightful and considered design. Their clients, such as Sportsnet, Scotiabank, Humber College and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, respect them for their expertise, dedication, their committed and collaborative team, and the ability to deliver on their promises.

The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity that provides short-term financial aid to entertainment industry professionals working in all aspects of theatre, film & TV, music and dance. In the past year the Fund has delivered over $500,000 in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses and has helped over 10,000 entertainment industry members since it was founded in 1958. Charitable Registration 118777457RR0001

To view a copy of the new form visit actorsfund.ca/apply-for-assistance

(From L to R) Shannah Segal, Principal – Usability Matters; Leah Erbe, Case Coordinator for the Actors’ Fund of Canada and Linnea Vizard User Experience Designer – Usability Matters. Thanks to Usability Matters for donating their time to this project.

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CONTACT:

David Hope
Actors’ Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
Email: Contact@actorsfund.ca