It makes good business
sense to create
products and services
designed with the
end-user in mind.
If you have any
doubt, think about
the last time you
wasted time trying
to find content
at a web site, experienced
a frustrating online
transaction, or
tried to use the
features of a poorly
designed electronic
product. Did the
experience make
you want to use
the product again?
Or did it get you
thinking about a
competitor's product
or service?
What are
user-centered design,
usefulness, and
usability all about?
User-centered design
is all about designing
for the "human
factor". It's
based upon the psychology
and physiology of
how people interact
with things AND
on an understanding
of the context in
which a product
will be used and
the information
needs of the product
users.
The goal of a user-centered
design strategy
is to create products
and services that
"fit"
the end-user, rather
than the other way
around. Designing
and developing effective,
successful products
is about creating
a positive user
experience. But
creating this experience
requires much more
than just making
the product look
great - it's about
making the product
useful and usable
from the perspective
of your target user
audience.
Useful means the
product has the
content, features,
and functions that
your target users
really need. It
provides a compelling
answer to the user's
question: "Why
should I use this
product?".
Usable means the
product's features
and information
can be easily understood,
accessed, and effectively
used. It answers
the user's question:
"Can I use
this product?".
Useful, usable
products:
- Get
used - effectively,
enjoyably, and
repeatedly!
- Reduce
product training
& support
costs!
- Keep
your audience
from abandoning
your product for
the competition!
At Usable Solutions,
we help you understand
what it takes to
make your product
useful and usable.
We provide practical
design solutions
that turn product
initiatives into
successful experiences,
giving users a reason
to keep coming back
to your product!
Learn about our
services or
more about our
company.
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