| Providing usable and effective IT systems is about more
than simply providing advanced functionality, or about vague notions of being 'user
friendly'. Cost-effective IT is about combining technical IT skills with knowledge about
how the system will operate in the real world - where real people are involved. Taking the
human issues into account ensures that your organisation gets real benefits from your IT
investment. That's the key aim for today's IT systems. A key differentiator
As products become increasingly difficult to differentiate on the grounds
of price and function, usability is now one of the most important features
that customers demand from
hi-tech products. You can be sure that your competitors are trying to get
that competitive edge. If your product is not easy to install, learn
and use, it had better be pretty
amazing in other ways! Nowadays, there's no excuse for poor usability.
What is usability?
Usability is making sure a customer can install, learn and use an IT product in an
effective and efficient manner. It's also about getting training, documentation and
support right to ensure your products are easy and satisfying to use. The overriding
concern should be - can your customers get on and use your product right away or will they
struggle to get started because of poor usability.
Usability in your company
Good usability is a major market quality differentiator for your company and its
competitors. It can help set you aside from the mainstream and help confirm that overall
feeling of quality. Poor usability will result in increased support costs and a
dissatisfied customer, maybe even an ex-customer! Customers may never find out just how
good your product is - because they couldn't get past that poor user interface.
Can usability be measured?
Yes! - there are a range of metrics available which can be used to benchmark different
products or even a range of proposed design options against each other. We can help you
make informed comparisons against the previous version, between different prototypes or
even against your competitors' offerings. This can allow you to make the appropriate
trade-offs and decisions based on a sound scientific and practical basis. The ability to
be able to trade-off the additional development costs against defined usability benefits
allows you to make decisions with greater confidence.
Is usability expensive?
No! - certainly not when compared to the cost of late changes to a product, product
upgrades, increased cost from excessive customer support calls, or worse still, lost
market opportunities! Frequently, getting it right is no more difficult or expensive than
getting it wrong - the difference is understanding what is 'right' for your customer.
Applying the right usability techniques at the right time saves money overall.
When should you look at usability?
It's never too late! However, the earlier in the product life cycle, then the lower the
cost of the change. When you're making those early design decisions, make sure you're
making the right informed decision about usability. Also, early knowledge of positive
usability benefits can be used as part of your marketing campaigns. If you understand how
and why your product is more usable then let your customers know, so they can make the
best decision for them and you.
See also Human Applications'
Consultancy Services for:
Usable IT Systems - how
we can help you 
Business Risk Management
Office Ergonomics
Industrial
Ergonomics
Health & Safety
Risk Management
Workplace Personal
Safety |
