Life or death usability
Over the last couple of years I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in the R&D programme for a ground-breaking medical device to help diabetics manage their insulin treatment. Part of the project was to reach a regulatory milestone, which has now been achieved. To reach this milestone we tested the usability of the device [...]
Motivations. Delivered fresh to your door
I’m in London this month and just received a boxful of fresh produce from Abel&Cole. Two things become very clear upon opening the veggie box; They know who their customers are, …and that each customer has a different set of motivations to use the service. A great example of this is in the friendly Spring [...]
Swipe this way
You know you’ve overlooked basic design research when your customer can improve your product in a few seconds using a pen and some tape. This is the case with these three payment terminals. The design usually includes a discreet symbol to indicate which way the card should go through the slot, an interaction that occurs [...]
Skype takes the hassle out of remote usability
Remote research brings cultural relevance to usability findings, providing the kinds of insights which can only be gained by being there…virtually at least. I recently ran some remote website usability sessions for a Kiwi startup whose main customer is in the U.S.A. … sure, ‘isolation breeds innovation’ and all that, but when your customers are [...]
Equal opportunities in User Centred Design?
IDEO, The worlds greatest proponent of User Centered Design have released a ‘toolkit’ to promote a human centred approach to social development projects. It’s full of top tips… one of which seems worryingly chauvinistic… If you can’t read the image, it kindly reminds us; “To ensure there is a balanced gender perspective involve female staff [...]
The oldest trick in the customer experience book
Every Tuesday NZ business strategist Lance Wiggs issues ‘Three ways to improve your business’, Last week at number two is ‘Meet your customers’. This simple advice represents the grass roots of a customer-centric approach to building a great experience for your customers, and competitive advantage for your business. So, if this approach is simple yet [...]
Code Blacks’ winning website built on empathy
Yes, the New Zealand ‘Code Blacks’ team has retained the trophy. Full Code Press is a competition big on challenges: Build a charity website from scratch in a mere 24 hours with a team you’ve barely met in a tiny room in the middle of a seething exhibition hall for a mystery client, with reporters [...]
Kiwi teacher’s User Centered Design approach wins over students (and Microsoft)
A geography teacher from an Auckland school is hailed as the ‘most innovative teacher in the world’. Delivering lessons via students mobile phones. Nathan’s approach: Understanding his audience Observing their behavior Building empathy with their needs Harnessing their input …and ultimately innovating learner experiences in an education system stymied by tradition. Here are some cues [...]
Those who adapt, survive.
When it comes to adapting, we Kiwis are experts. Our ‘Number 8 wire’ attitude sees us modify, improve and invent products out of necessity, or just to ‘make do’. This Wellington cyclist shows Kiwis are not afraid of some prototyping to find a solution, and stay safe on the road. Businesses wanting to survive in [...]
Grass roots customer research. The visitors book
Ok, it’s an occupational hazzard, but from a curious browse through the guestbook at a Bed and Breakfast there were some pretty clear patterns emerging. From years worth of entries a clear picture emerged of the type, nationality and values of the guests , plus some insight into what they think are the most (and [...]