1. 1 Usability Challenges for Newer Technologies Lawrence Najjar lawrence_najjar@yahoo.com http://mime1.gtri.gatech.edu/imb/people/larry.html

2. 2 Najjar Background 19 years design experience –US air traffic control system –Wearable computers –Home Depot online store –NASCAR.com –Accessibility Ph.D. engineering psychology

3. 3 What is “Usability?”

4. 4 Usability Benefits Annual savings when a company used iterative design-test-redesign method to build a timekeeping application used biweekly by 54,500 employees: $6,000,000. After improving usability, IBM.com got 400% increase in sales After improving usability of order application, Digital got 80% increase in revenue

5. 5 Newer Technologies New technologies being introduced very quickly Rush to market may sacrifice ease of use Newer technologies often have user interface challenges Examples: –Web –Cellular telephones –Wearable computers

6. 6 Web Usability Challenges?

7. 7 Web Usability Challenges Slow download times Broad user population Impatient users Different user languages & cultures Disabled users Wide variety of hardware/software Many application choices Limited interaction options (e.g., no drag- and-drop)

8. 8 Web Usability Suggestions?

9. 9 Web Usability Suggestions Minimize graphics Limit page size to 40K Use simple, consistent navigation Test for cross-browser and cross-machine compatibility Tailor for language and culture Design for accessibility

10. 10 Cellular Telephone Usability Challenges?

11. 11 Cellular Telephone Usability Challenges Tiny display Generally monochrome display Small number of common keys Slow download time Broken connections Usually touch input Disabled users

12. 12 Cellular Telephone Usability Suggestions?

13. 13 Cellular Telephone Usability Suggestions Design extremely simple user interface Consider voice input Provide tiny applications Exploit user profiles entered on Web Nib on “5” key Help mode that reads keys, logged calls, etc.

14. 14 Wearable Computer Usability Challenges?

15. 15 Wearable Computer Usability Challenges Small size Light weight Small display Often hands-free input (e.g., voice recognition) Mobile users

16. 16 Wearable Computer Suggestions?

17. 17 Wearable Computer Suggestions Provide voice input/output Design simple, customized user interface Use rechargeable batteries Provide tailorability Use wireless network connection

18. 18

19. 19 Conclusions Keys to designing user interfaces for newer technology: –Focus on needs and preferences of users –Keep it simple, stupid (KISS)

20. 20 Lawrence Najjar lawrence_najjar@yahoo.com http://mime1.gtri.gatech.edu/imb/people/larry.html