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User Experience (Usability)
346 hits
Oct 23, 2003 1:32 pm |
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re: Lack of Respect for Usability Experts |
Kyle Pero
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> Ryan Withop wrote:
> Why is it that Usability Experts don't get the respect they deserve in a software development environment?
Respect in this field (software or online) is definitely earned individually and not granted. I guess we may not be so popular because we are always looking for the negative in other people's designs and ideas, but this is our job. Our job is all about stating our opinions and ideas... and that is also where our job ends. It’s not our job to make the final decision. We don't have the luxury of owning every product/site that we work on. It's not our fault if someone doesn't take our advice, but it is our fault if we don't offer it.
>I am deeply interested in a career in usability but am not sure it will be a rewarding move.
For me, the field of usability is very rewarding. It's an outlet for the frustration I have when I see horribly developed/designed websites. Rather than just complain about bad websites I can try to make them better by working in this field. People are not always going to take our advice, which I admit is a hard pill to swallow, but at least we have the outlet to make the suggestions.
>It seems as though everyone agrees hypothetically that usability is key to customer loyalty and acceptance but where is the emphasis on usability come final release date? I have seen a myriad of companies ignore usability advice and look down upon their professionals as "less-than-programmers."
I have never had the feeling that usability professionals are looked down upon. I do think that there are people who are frustrated with us because we don't agree with them. This is to be expected and it's something we shouldn’t take personally.
>What are your thoughts on this? Are there jobs for Usability Analysts? Are we second class citizens?
Since usability is a new and more specific niche it's going to be harder to find a job in than it is as a developer or designer. I wouldn't let this deter you from going into the field though. I think it's better to be specialized in something like this rather than have a commoditized skill in which you can be easily replaced.
Cheers,
KylePrivate Reply to Kyle Pero (new win) |
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