usabilityfail.com - Latest Comments

Re: In Defense of Doing It the Hard Way

Leanna Gingras — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:57:29 -0000

I absolutely agree that it’s about finding the right mix for the
right project. Research budgets usually end up squeezed, and that's okay,
because that’s where we need to be both dead-on with the weapons we wield and
creative with the possibilities and budget. The sooner we come to terms with
that, the sooner we can work within our constraints.

Re: In Defense of Doing It the Hard Way

Fraser Marshall — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:26:59 -0000

Nice article. One thing I do miss from my time as a research scientist is the value placed in solid techniques and taking the time to do something properly. As soon as shortcuts are taken, the power of your data and hypotheses are quickly called into question.

Now as a UX practitioner, finding the balance between delivering a timely product/end result, meeting the budget, convincing clients that their users actually know something and spending sufficient time researching/analysis is a constant struggle. Unfortunately, in my experience budget always ends up trumping everything and research is normally squeezed as a result. It's frustrating, but having a tool box full of quicker and lengthier techniques is key, and can certainly help you feel more confident about your data.

In the end, it's about finding the right mix for the right project. Certainly try and push for more in depth understanding, but when it's not possible, remember that quick data is what it is, it may show you a direction, but it's certainly not going to be the gospel.

Re: In Defense of Doing It the Hard Way

Leanna Gingras — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:28:41 -0000

Thank you!

Re: In Defense of Doing It the Hard Way

Tomasz Skórski — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:19:24 -0000

Nice article in interactions. Thanks.

Re: In Defense of Doing It the Hard Way

Bëth Winëgarnër — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:03:04 -0000

Yay! Congratulations!

Re: The Craft of UX

Erik Dahl — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:54:23 -0000

I missed your talk in Dublin, but maybe we can chat sometime about the topic of Craft and Design. I nearly started a new speaker series here in Columbus on the intersection of Craft and Design and what we have to learn from each other's disciplines and practice. I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately as I'm building out a new design studio in Columbus in terms of both hiring and business development.

Re: On the value of thinking

clara — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:10:54 -0000

I work from home and when I get stuck with a problem I go and do the dishes, hang up the washing, etc...
It gives me time to think without getting distracted by reading something else or thinking through different options before I return to my computer,.
And it has the added benefit that a number of household tasks are getting done along the way as well.

Re: On the value of thinking

Liz Hunt — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:10:57 -0000

Thanks for this post, Leanna!

Last year, I started taking the bus to work instead of driving the 45 minutes from Akron to Cleveland and back. What I discovered is that, on these long rides, I often just stare out the window. I don't read, I don't talk — I just listen to an album on repeat and watch the scenery go by.

Your post has made me appreciate how valuable these hours are to me. As with you, this time helps me process and think through information, decipher emotions, or purge the stresses of the day. Whether it's about a client project for work or the meaning of existence, I find that once I'm at the studio or arrive home I'm usually ready to tackle what's next in the day.

Therefor, I also highly recommend this practice to all. Being alone with just your thoughts may not be as scary as it sounds.

Re: Hipsters & usability testing: What you need to know

ddt — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:56:59 -0000

Ha! Good advice, of course -- not much different from how to treat anyone good enough to bash around on your prototype -- but my first thought was how I have trouble keeping my mouth shut sometimes. And then I scroll down and see your entry on that very topic.

(Doing UX research in Finland this summer... all the more important to bite one's tongue when snark may not be a universally appreciated feature).

Thanks for the blog. It is total edutainment.

Re: IA Summit 2011

thom haller — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:25:13 -0000

wow.

Just in time to support new students in our WashDC IA/UX class.

Thanks so much for your work and your recommendation for TweetNote.

thom-

Re: IA Summit 2011

Justin Davis — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:23:54 -0000

Thanks Lee! I'm so happy you enjoyed the talk, and it was great to get to meet you and chat for a bit (albeit, not nearly enough!). Congrats to you on your talk as well!

Hope to see you around soon, meanwhile, don't forget the toilet paper ;)

Re: UI vs UX design, or, The ATM For Really Tall People

Warren — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:32:14 -0000

I disagree. This simply a usability fail. If you cannot reach the screen - it is not usable. Usability engineering absolutely *does* consider the context of use. The difference is that usability engineering is laser-focus on making tasks faster, simpler to complete (and repeat). Reducing friction.

User experience design considers wider factors, including emotional responses and engagement, social factors, trust, credibility and so on. In some cases the two disciplines may even conflict.

Re: UI vs UX design, or, The ATM For Really Tall People

Natalya — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:08:49 -0000

Love this example as a way to show the difference between UX and UI. Thank you!

Re: Networking: 5 things nobody taught me

Lee — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:27:02 -0000

It was great to meet you too! She's settling in and everything seems to be quieting down for a bit. :)

Re: Networking: 5 things nobody taught me

Amber DeRosa — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:09:15 -0000

Great post! It was nice meeting u and chatting at IDEA. How is the new roomate so far?

Re: Just click OK and get it over with

Mark — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:48:02 -0000

I prefer this one: http://www.flickr.com/photo...

Re: user testing fail

Marc Toner — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:43:11 -0000

That's a prime example how lazy testing can result in really negative press. As you said, I doubt there are any evil intentions, but the message is the same no matter if bad or good faith...and it's so avoidable, especially for a huge company like HP.

Re: user testing fail

Damon — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:55:03 -0000

I typed in this domain hoping it was either unregistered or already home to a massive database of niggling user-submitted usability faults. this is close enough. Keep 'em coming!

Re: the VW Beetle: fun versus affordances

George — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:09:21 -0000

The seat adjustments in a VW should be the standard for cars.
I love the way the whole seat folds forward when you pull the easy to access handle.
The lever on the bottom of the seat lowers the seat when pumped down and raises it when pumped up.
The dial on the side of the seat allows for precise adjustment of the seat back. Rotate clockwise to recline; Counterclockwise to straighten the seat back. Far better then the lever system on most cheaper cars.
IMHO these are completely logical.

As for the radio; it's terrible.

The hood release is in the normal location.

Re: Indiana FAIL

Zach — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:47:11 -0000

I always wondered about this myself. I always type the URL, virtually never use bookmarks. I also generally still type http://. I don't know why...

Re: Indiana FAIL

Tijmen Smit — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:33:18 -0000

This is one of the things that really annoys me sometimes. You think you tried the wrong url since it didn't work, only seconds later you realize that just adding the www would fix it.

I know of a website from a big international company that receives 1500+ visitors a day, but the version without the www just doesn't work.

I told them of the problem several times almost a year ago, but the still haven't fixed it.

Re: making communication more usable

Richard Morton - Accessible We — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:55:59 -0000

Thanks for sharing that. It gives a good perspective on the sort of problems that even "accessible technologies" don't seem to solve. Given how much technology has moved on in recent years, particularly in mobile phones, there are plenty of opportunities for things to be much improved.

Re: making communication more usable

Steve Grobschmidt — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:17:17 -0000

This certainly is an eye-opening read. Reading about simply what TTYs are -- what they are, what they do -- is one thing. Hearing actual experiences....and frustrations....with them is much more telling.

And amen to "making something accessible for one person makes it accessible for everyone". Accessibility isn't just some niche thing -- it's about everybody.

Re: making communication more usable

Lee — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:21:47 -0000

I haven't used CapTel specifically, but it looks like just another way of saying "relay service". I used Michigan Relay Service for years until I migrated online...very handy! Surprised you don't have anything like that in Australia.

Re: making communication more usable

Michael Lockrey — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:21:08 -0000

Great post and I have a very similar background with TTY's here in Australia. J

ust one query though - have you used CapTel? When I visited the USA last year, the ability to make CapTel calls was a phenomenal experience for a long time TTY user.