Category Archives: Technology

Healthcare wants a tablet, but not Apple’s iPad

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Healthcare Usability, Real-World Usability, Technology, User Centered Design (UCD) | Leave a comment

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

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Marketing Usability, Search Engine Optimization, Technology, Web 2.0 | Leave a comment

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

Posted on May 22, 2010 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Mobile Usability, Technology, User Centered Design (UCD), Web Usability | Leave a comment

The Future of Shopping – Real World User Experiences!

Posted on May 22, 2010 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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, Ph.D.

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, Ph.D.

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, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Social Networking, Technology, Usability Bloopers, Usability Humor, Users | Leave a comment

Google Goggles – Amazing New Mobile Technology

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Mobile Usability, Real-World Usability, Technology | Leave a comment

Gifts for User Experience Geeks 2009

Posted on December 8, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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, Ph.D.

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, Ph.D.

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 →

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

UX Problems at American Airlines

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Application Usability, Marketing Usability, Real-World Usability, Technology, Web Usability | 1 Comment

Why Agile Needs to Start in Academia

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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, Ph.D.

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

Posted in Real-World Usability, Social Networking, Technology, Usability Bloopers, Usability Humor | Leave a comment

Google Releases News-Reading Service

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

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 →

Posted in Search Engine Optimization, Social Networking, Technology, Users, Web 2.0, Web Usability | Leave a comment

Why Craigslist Is Such a Mess

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

Intriguing article in Wired Magazine on the history of controversial Craigslist.org, the largest community site in the US. From the interface design and usability perspective, Craigslist is notoriously well-know for its old-style, link-heavy, basic interface that does not make using … Continue reading →

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Why Adults Have Fed Twitter €™s Growth

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

Very interesting results from a study on twitter usage. It turns out older people are using twitter more than young people – not the results you would expect from a new social networking experience. “The tech industry has been perplexed … Continue reading →

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Above and Beyond: Airplanes ARE social media

Posted on August 27, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

It’s time for user experience designers to break out their wings! Airlines are beginning to realize that air travel is a shared experience where travelers can share informaton and experiences and the airlines can learn more about their customers! Jay … Continue reading →

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Techno-Surfing and Whirling Dervish Drivers

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

Are you driving and talking on your cell phone? Have you seen someone texting while driving? Here’s a new article and research from the New York Times: “Americans are so addicted to techno-surfing that they €™ve gotten hubristic about how … Continue reading →

Posted in Real-World Usability, Technology | 1 Comment

The iPhone Myth: Mobile Web a throwback to the ’90s

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Theo Mandel, Ph.D.

Interesting article in USA Today on Jakob Nielsen’s group (NNG) research on the mobile web. Their results show it is much slower and less accurate to use the web on a mobile device: A study to be released Monday by … Continue reading →

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