Usability Engineering: A Consultant's View of Best Practices and Proven Results

Abstract

(Part 1 of this three-part series on Best Practices appeared in the winter 2007 issue.) The IBM Global Services Usability Engineering National Practice (UENP) group has focused on the application of industry-based, user-centered design (UCD) best practice techniques and principles to solve user interface and usability problems in a variety of industry contexts. UCD techniques and principles have been applied across different industries, application domains, and user interface styles. We have learned valuable lessons with regard to consistent and effective use of a rigorous, proven, and repeatable design process in system and Internet projects. The use of our design process results in cost-effective solutions for satisfied customer users. Although the findings generally apply to many styles of user interfaces and systems, this article shares some of our lessons, experiences, best practices, and results with a focus on recent Web-based projects.