Category Archives: Technology

Observing the Customer Experience

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Mark Hust of Good Experience runs a wildly successful and informative conference, Gel, every year that focuses on user experience. One of the key speakers was Alex Lee, president of OXO. From Good Experience’s blog: Product developers everywhere could learn … Continue reading →

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No more vacation: How technology is stealing our lives

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Have we become too dependent on our mobile computers and devices? This article answers the question: “E-mail and smart phones were supposed to liberate us. So why does it feel like we never have any free time?” Things may have … Continue reading →

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Healthcare IT News: Health 2.0 2010 Developer Challenge

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Theo Mandel

This is a wonderful community effort! The Health 2.0 2010 Developer Challenge was launched on June 2nd, 2010 at the Community Health Data Initiative (CHDI) meeting at the Institute of Medicine (IOM), with support from the Department of Health and … Continue reading →

Posted in Application Usability, Healthcare Usability, Real-World Usability, Social Networking, Technology, User Centered Design (UCD), Web 2.0, Web Usability | Leave a comment

Electronic Pill Bottle Cap Increases Medication Use, Study Says

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Finally, technologists provide enhancements to healthcare usability! Usability of medicine pill bottles, that is!! I work on the usability of healthcare software systems. I’m glad to see that usability professionals are also working on medical devices and other areas of … Continue reading →

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Ideo – The Future of Self-Service Banking

Posted on July 3, 2010 by Theo Mandel

ATM banking systems haven’t kept up with touchscreen technology. Look what you can do on an iPad and then look at your bank’s ATM screen. There’s no reason an ATM needs to have an out-dated on-screen with buttons on the … Continue reading →

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Healthcare wants a tablet, but not Apple’s iPad

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Since the introduction of the iPad, everyone has wondered if this is the ultimate tablet platform. However, one industry that has been using tablet computers for many years – the healthcare industry – does not necessarily think the iPad is … Continue reading →

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Mandel presentes “Golden Rules of Usable Web Design” at Direct Marketing Association Conference

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Theo Mandel, Ph.D. presented a session at Rocky Mountain Direct Marketing Association’s (RMDMA) Direct Marketing Day conference in Denver on May 19, 2010. The session was titled, “The Golden Rules of Usable Web Design.” Each year, the Rocky Mountain Direct … Continue reading →

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iPad Usability: First Findings From User Testing – Mixed Results!

Posted on May 22, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Now that the iPad is out and people are using the new apps supposedly designed for the iPad, their usability falls short of the expected Apple usability experience.  Jakob Nielsen, in his Alertbox, May 10 2010, summarized his findings: “iPad … Continue reading →

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The Future of Shopping – Real World User Experiences!

Posted on May 22, 2010 by Theo Mandel

A video by Cisco shows how new technologies and user interfaces can totally change our real-world common experiences. Even tasks such as trying on clothes in a store can become a more enjoyable and satisfying experience, especially for guys who … Continue reading →

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We Have Met the Enemy and He Is PowerPoint

Posted on April 28, 2010 by Theo Mandel

It’s official – “PowerPoint makes us stupid.”  In an article for the New York times, many high-ranking officials are taking shots at Microsoft’s PowerPoint program. Gen. James N. Mattis of the Marine Corps, the Joint Forces commander, said at a … Continue reading →

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Reaching Retirees: Web Design for Senior Users

Posted on April 24, 2010 by Theo Mandel

Good article by Design For Use on web design for seniors. Here’s the summary: “With the aging population and increased reliance on internet resources, improving the online experience of senior and retired users can facilitate greater success and knowledge about … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, Real-World Usability, Social Networking, Technology, User Centered Design (UCD), Users, Web Usability | Leave a comment

Reverse Psychology – Microsoft makes Game out of the Office Ribbon

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Theo Mandel

In the spirit of the developer’s credo – “That’s not a bug, that’s a feature!” – Microsoft has created a game that gives users points for finding and using commands on the Office Ribbon toolbar. Usually companies don’t point out … Continue reading →

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Google Goggles – Amazing New Mobile Technology

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Google has announced a new mobile tool that enables users to search using pictures instead of words. Called Google Goggles, it uses the phone’s GPS and compass to help determine search results. This free app works only on Google Android … Continue reading →

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Gifts for User Experience Geeks 2009

Posted on December 8, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Just in time for the Christmas Holiday! Very thorough list of gifts for UX geeks! http://www.nickfinck.com/blog/entry/gifts_for_user_experience_geeks_2009/

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Ridiculous User Interfaces In Film and the Man Who Designs Them

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Interesting blog about Mark Coleran’s futuristic computer user interfaces for movies and TV shows. It’s not always about usability!! >

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Theo Mandel’s “Golden Rules of Web Design” Keynote Presentation – User eXperience Russia, October 2009

Posted on November 30, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Theo Mandel, Ph.D. was invited to give a keynote presentation at the User eXperience Russia conference in Moscow, Russia, on October 26, 2009. Mandel’s keynote, “The (New) Golden Rules of Web Design,” is an new presentation based on a chapter … Continue reading →

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UX Problems at American Airlines

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Dustin Curtis wrote a blog article about American Airlines’ poor website design. He received an e-mail from an Interaction Designer within the company explaining the corporate culture at American Airlines with regard to the website. The designer was promptly fired … Continue reading →

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Why Agile Needs to Start in Academia

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Thought-provoking article about getting geeks and artists together during college rather than afterwards on the job. Some institutions offer interdisciplinary programs, but more should be done to get students used to working in multi-disciplinary, cooperative work environments. >

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Hilarious Google “Opt-Out” Parody

Posted on October 3, 2009 by Theo Mandel

The Onion, a famous print and online parody newspaper, has a hilarious news video parody of Google’s “Opt-Out” policy. >

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Google Releases News-Reading Service

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Theo Mandel

Google, long seen as an enemy by many in the news industry, is making a bold attempt to be seen as a friend with a new service it hopes will make it easier for readers to read newspaper and magazine … Continue reading →

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