User Experience
How to analyze a usability study
Most of the value you gain from a usability testing session comes from the analysis after the session is complete. I have been involved in a few sessions recently where no formal analysis has been conducted. I believe this is a mistake.
Traditionally, the analysis portion of a usability session takes quite a long time. The end results is usually what I call a “Dead Document.”
“Dead Documents” are reports that have value, but negatively impact productivity. This is usually because it takes too long to create the document, or there isn’t enough time to consume it.
I have developed a quick and dirty system for analyzing the data. It requires only a few hours to create and only a few minutes to consume.
Timeless Interfaces, and how to Replace Them
Since the invention of the modern calculator, one particular product has dominated the business market. The HP 12C financial calculator. Many manufacturers, notably Texas Instruments, have tried to innovate on this model and modernize it without tremendous success.
The HP 12C has gone through several design iterations without adding additional features. It’s functionality was scoped well in the beginning, and it’s designers held firm against the inclusion of new features. The interface is timeless.
Why is Apple discouraging interface consistency?
If you haven’t heard by now, there is quite a battle going on between Google and Apple. Apple has refused to include the Google Voice application in the App Store, along with similar apps by other parties. The FCC is now investigating.
Apple claims that Google’s application would negatively impact the users experience with the iPhone’s native telephony and sms applications.
This is interesting. Google’s application is visually & behaviorally consistent with the native applications. It makes sense that Google’s application would be easier to use because of this consistency. Google’s application has some pretty basic functionality…
- To make phone calls by dialing numbers or choosing a contact from the address book
- To send/receive SMS messages
- To check voicemail
These features overlap entirely with Apple’s native interfaces. In my opinion, Google’s application would be most usable by making it feel consistent. To make it feel seamless. Continue →
37signals new announcement panel is too intrusive
I’m a bit perplexed with the way 37signals has implemented their new announcement feature inside of Basecamp. As developers it is important that we communicate changes to our applications with our users. It shows that we are attentive and dedicated to fixing problems.
While it is important that the people using our software read these announcements, we should realize that it’s not the most important part of their experience. The new announcement system in Basecamp is intrusive. It’s popped-up in your face as the first thing you see. You are forced to address it before you can continue.
The difference between User Research and Usability Testing?
User research studies and usability testing are two fundamental phases of an interaction design process. When I’m out at conferences or meetup groups talking about my process, I often hear people confusing the two terms. So, what are these phases?
Simply put, the biggest difference is when they are used in the process.
Simple user interfaces are not always easier to use
Earlier this week I spoke at the Cleveland Web Standards Association on the importance of thinking before building. The talk included a walkthrough of my UX design procedure, and why I feel it is a superior way of designing for interaction.
I’m frequently asked how to make interfaces simpler, as if we all already have pristine, usable interfaces buried inside of our current cluttered interfaces. Removing elements from your interface makes them simpler and easier to understand… right? Wrong.
Why You Should Outsource Usability Testing
Small companies should consider outsourcing their usability testing instead of doing it in-house. On the surface, it makes perfect sense to have a designer/developer who has a deep understanding of the project be in charge of usability testing, but in fact this can cause serious problems.
A developer will always look at the product you are testing from the inside out. They have internalized the entire product and know it inside and out. This has negative connotations on the evaluation of a test.
It may be appealing to delegate usability testing to a graphic designer on the project, but this also has issues. Artists minds are naturally focuses on aesthetics and many usability problems arise from confusing visual elements.
Usability Review: OldNavy.com
There are only a few examples of top-notch ecommerce websites, but Old Navy.com hits the nail on the head. Here are a few of the key elements that separate them from the rest of the pack.
Cross-Site Header Bar
It is clear that OldNavy is only one of 4 websites operated by The Gap. They promote cross selling between the sites by offering a simple centralized checkout for all 4 stores.
I really dig the reversed tab effect which shows which site you are currently on. Each of the 4 sites has its own background which makes it easily distinguishable.
How To Use Status to Style a List
As computer programmers we often get stuck thinking in binary. Things are either true or false, black or white, on or off, good or bad, pass or fail. Although computers think this way, the people who use the software typically do not. We can use our skills as human beings to create a better user experience for our customers.
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