The Future of Shopping – Real World User Experiences!
A video by Cisco shows how new technologies and user interfaces can totally change our real-world common experiences. Even tasks such as trying on clothes in a store can become a more enjoyable and satisfying experience, especially for guys who hate to shop and hate...
New Users for the iPad – Iggy (a cat) investigates an iPad
You knew this would happen sooner or later. Now that there is a large touch-based tablet, little kids and pets are now experimenting with this new user interface! YouTube is now getting flooded with videos of pets playing with an iPad. Here's one of many. Enjoy! >
We Have Met the Enemy and He Is PowerPoint
It's official - "PowerPoint makes us stupid." In an article for the New York times, many high-ranking officials are taking shots at Microsoft's PowerPoint program. Gen. James N. Mattis of the Marine Corps, the Joint Forces commander, said at a military conference in...
Reaching Retirees: Web Design for Senior Users
Good article by Design For Use on web design for seniors. Here's the summary: "With the aging population and increased reliance on internet resources, improving the online experience of senior and retired users can facilitate greater success and knowledge about the...
Reverse Psychology – Microsoft makes Game out of the Office Ribbon
In the spirit of the developer's credo - "That's not a bug, that's a feature!" - Microsoft has created a game that gives users points for finding and using commands on the Office Ribbon toolbar. Usually companies don't point out their usability issues and problems,...
Counterpoint to the “Madlibs” Form Style
As I looked closely at the different form styles in the previous blog entry, I noticed there are a number of differences, in addition to the different form layouts. Any or all of these changes could have contributed to the reported test results. Here's a well-written...
“Mad Libs” Style Form Increases Conversion 25-40%
UI designers are always looking for new ways to do common tasks better and faster. This new style of filling in forms may prove to be one of those new twists that makes people think, "Why didn't I think of that?" Luke Wroblewski writes about some new websites that...
Usability Guidelines for Heuristic Evaluation
Very nice overview of heuristic evaluation guidelines for websites. >
Google Goggles – Amazing New Mobile Technology
Google has announced a new mobile tool that enables users to search using pictures instead of words. Called Google Goggles, it uses the phone's GPS and compass to help determine search results. This free app works only on Google Android mobile phones. Goggles can also...
Gifts for User Experience Geeks 2009
Just in time for the Christmas Holiday! Very thorough list of gifts for UX geeks! http://www.nickfinck.com/blog/entry/gifts_for_user_experience_geeks_2009/