Google Chrome Review
Jumping on the bandwagon I was one of the many to download Google’s Chrome browser the day it was released. I was immediately impressed, then somewhat disappointed. I gave Chrome 48 hours to impress me, but I wasn’t willing to give up…
Usability Design Methods
This article discusses some of the generalized definitions and critiques of different types of usability design methodologies. Generally people tend to advocate one type or another (User Centric, or Task Centric). However, most designers will tell you that while they may…
Usability Lessons from Video Games
Much can be learned about usability through video games. Computer games, unlike computer programs are often chosen much more than required. Many users of large software applications use those applications out of need; many of these applications have few if…
User-Centered Design (UCD) and Activity-Centered Design (ACD)
There are many types of design methodologies: Behavior-Centered Design, Task-Centered Design, Goal-Directed Design, etc. However the two most popular methods are User-Centered Design and Activity-Centered Design. The key goal of all of these methodologies is to create a usable, efficient, effective…
User Experience in Agile Development
I recently attended the 2008 UPA conference in Baltimore Maryland where I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Jeff Patton. Patton’s name is well known in the Agile community where he focuses on improving UCD within Agile environments….
The Persuasion Architect
While many of us are often referred to as a “Jack-of-all-Trades” when it comes to User Experience, it is important that we don’t forget to embrace multiple specialties when the resources and budget are available to expand the team.
This article talks about one of these possible new additions, a specialty role called the Persuasion Architect. This person adds to the team by bridging the gap between Usability and Marketing.
User Experience in the Development Lifecycle
Why is a user experience team important when developers have been creating usable systems for years? The key to that sentence is your definition of “usable”. Yes, developers do a great job at creating a solid code foundation which is…
Microsoft Silverlight vs. Adobe Flex
After much research I have gathered my opinions on the Silverlight vs. Flex argument. Pro Flex Silverlight doesn’t have a lot of hope when it comes to Microsoft’s history. Microsoft is known for buying up the market once a technology…
“I should have known better…”
People generally blame themselves when the design of a website causes them to error. “I should have known better” or “I didn’t know that because I’m new to the site”. This is an interesting response that seems to go against…
Users: Trust but Verify
Testing and talking to your users is an important part of understanding the usability of your system. However, the information you get cannot necessarily be taken at face value. It’s important verify your understanding of the users feedback.