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When companies began doing usability research in Japan in the 1990’s, usability research was mainly limited to evaluations in the final stages of the design process, just before the release of a new product.  Methodology consisted of usability tests and heuristic reviews that were used to evaluate the usability of a nearly complete design. 

As user experience practitioners we are challenged to create innovative designs and engaging experiences.

In April Apple Inc. launched the sales of its new tablet computer named the iPad.

The blogosphere is overhyped with enthusiasm of those who just bought the device and of those who are just about to do so. However, the messages from slightly puzzled people who sincerely do not get the reason for the buzz and have little faith in the gadget are by far more common. In my opinion, the device unveils a new era in computer evolution – soon you will not be able to picture our life without such devices. Let me try to explain why.

Apple’s website describes the iPad as “magical and revolutionary,” but is it really? We just bought an iPad so we can do a first review of this product!

iPad: Which uses for which audience?

A study conducted by Christelle Huyghebaert UX Consultant

With the release in France of the iPad, surveys and studies multiply in an attempt to identify new uses that will no doubt be born with the arrival of this new product.

But beyond the intended and stated uses, it's interesting to explore the symbolism and values associated with this new tool, and their effect on intentions to purchase.

For many Danish companies, a dot-com web address (rather than the familiar dot-dk) is far more challenging that the companies might think.

Everyone has had a problem with standard security technologies - Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHAs) - at least once in life. The technologies are said to protect websites from bots and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software, so that only humans are able to set up an e-mail account, download software, etc. Nevertheless, CAPTCHA technologies often stop the Internet users and do not stop bots and software.

With the economy bouncing back, every company is endeavoring to retain customers, invite new ones on board and grow wallet share in the process. It’s a race between firms, and those who ignore paying attention to the experience they provide to customers stand the risk of falling way behind once companies move to next level of user experience understanding.

There’s no doubt that user experience will take much more active role this year. Here is a brief summary of three most important issues UX leaders must focus on doing in 2010, if they want to stay in the game.

eGovernment, or the transfer of government activities to the Internet, is not only a logical trend in communications, but also brings with it a number of clear benefits for both citizens and civil servants. Electronic bureaus can be open 24 hours a day, citizens can communicate with them from anywhere, and electronic forms can be interactive and provide help when being filled in. By eliminating communication barriers, eGovernment enables citizens to participate in greater measure in civic matters, which supports the democratic principle.

At Telono, a Swiss-based UX consultancy,  we have always been interested in the concept of trust as an essential part of the online experience. When customers interact and transact with brands online, they need to see elements that communicate that the responsible parties owning the site are worthy of their trust.

In usability testing, one collects both quantitative and qualitative data that often gives us an understanding of different attitudes or values of groups or cultures.

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