Subject:
Introduction to Usability
What is Usability?
Usability refers to how easily and efficiently a
client or customer can use a product.
Usability is often obvious when there is a lack of
it. For example, you may have heard stories about trying to set a clock on a
VCR. Maybe you’ve fumbled in the dark in an unfamiliar car, looking for
the
light switch. Or perhaps you’ve reached a dead end in a voice mail
system,
several times.
This lesson includes a story about using a digital
radio in a rental car, a critical look at
a GUI interface, and a brief survey on your company's usability practices.
Can You Tune a Car Radio?
Dr. David Travis, a usability expert based in London,
asks "Why do we accept such bad designs in car radios?" The author challenges
us: "How would you use this radio to tune up to the next station?"
Car Radios: It’s Time to Get
Angry
http://www.system-concepts.com/articles/radios.html
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Not Just a Pretty Face
System Concepts Ltd., a London-based ergonomics
consultancy, states "Usable systems are defined by their focus on the user's
tasks, not by a pretty interface." The company also says that "the GUI is often
a veneer hiding a wealth of usability problems, like wallpaper over cracks."
This article explains why "good" and "GUI" are not always synonymous.
When GUIs Fail
http://www.system-concepts.com/articles/gui.html
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What is the Usability Maturity of Your Company?
System Concepts Ltd. presents ten true/false statements to you about your
company. The first statement is "My company thinks usability is irrelevant.
[T/F]"
See how your company fares when it comes to incorporating good usability
practices in your design process.
How User-Centered is Your Organization?
http://www.system-concepts.com/survey/usab.html
