Modern development especially in the mobile scene happens are a pretty fast pace. Especially when it comes to the IOS, Android, and HTML5 applications maybe individual develops either have no time for the usability cycle or just don't even have knowledge about it. Which begs the questions is usability still important in this new generation of developers? Is the process of gain user input important still now during the development process. We know that with large software project in respectable companies it still very much is. What about those two or three man teams making small games or utility apps. Argument could be make that is isn't and when dealing with that level of design would be overwhelming for small groups. This makes sense with the size and availability of resources and yet it has been the small teams that have had a huge explosion in the market place leading to fast growing companies. Examples of this are Twitter, Twitchtv formerly known as Justin.tv, and Facebook started as a small project. Usability is important in modern day development, but many have taken it with a pinch of salt. Since it is well known that the users don't always know what they want and desire. Often making new products takes a good deal of time, effort, and risk.
Nielsen, J. (n.d.). Nielsen Norman Group. Usability 101: Introduction to Usability. Retrieved , from http://www.nngroup.com/articles/usability-101-introduction-to-usability/
So what exactly is usability and why can it sometimes be a hindrance? Wouldn't it be in the interest of the developers to know that their design is working as intended before they begin to implement their software. Otherwise they are just wasting time and man hours on a product that might not be as usable as they'd hope.
ReplyDeleteFair points. I perhaps should define it first but what I am trying to convey is that the user is not always right all the time.
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