LIS531Y Class Photo

UX Hierarchy of Needs

Hi class,

You may be interested in reading this piece of Hierarchy of UX needs:

http://uxmovement.com/thinking/are-you-meeting-the-user-experience-hierarchy-of-needs/

Best,
Rong

Do you know about this company?

Hi class,

Do you know about Influx: Library User Experience?

http://influx.us/

Best,
Rong

Reduce complexity for users

Hi class,

You might be interested in reading this article from Boxes and Arrows on complexity and user experience:

http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/complexity-and-user

Best,
Rong

Four Stages of Competence by Jared Spool

Hi class,

You might be interested in reading Jared Spool's four levels of competence and their implication to the design:

http://www.uie.com/articles/four_stages_competence

Best,
Rong

Google eye-tracking study

Hi class,

You may be interested in reading this posting from Google in 2009 about their eye-tracking study:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/eye-tracking-studies-more-than-meets.html

Rong

Opening for analytics researcher at IBM Research Cambridge

Hi class,

Here is a position open for analytics researcher at IBM Cambridge --

Research Staff Member-Analytics

Job description The ideal candidate for this position has a computer science background and should have outstanding data analytics skills combined with an applied knowledge of human-computer interaction and a passion for building systems that apply analytics to real world applications. We are an interdisciplinary team, particularly interested in incorporating analytics into the mix, including but not limited to data mining, information retrieval, decision-making, predictive modeling, network analysis, machine learning, recommender and filtering systems. Ideally, the candidate will also have a record of designing, building, deploying, and studying systems and novel user interactions. Developing software for real users at various scales, small teams to enterprise-wide, is an integral part of what we do and is expected of the candidate. Having published in key conferences in the above areas is a plus (e.g. CHI, CSCW, CIKM, RecSys, UMAP, AAAI etc.).
Required
Master's Degree Basic knowledge in Data mining, information retrieval, recommender systems, data modelling, predictive analytics, human computer interaction, social software Readiness to travel 10% travel annually English: Intermediate
Preferred
Doctorate Degree English : Fluent https://jobs3.netmedia1.com/cp/job_summary.jsp?job_id=RES-0434286

See you in class in the afternoon!

Rong

Prioritize Usability Problems

Hi class,

This posting may help you to decide what usability problems from your usability testing are more important over the others:

http://www.userfocus.co.uk/articles/prioritise.html

Best,
Rong

Tracking User Errors

Hi class,

Read the following posting about using Google Analytics to track errors:

http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2011/10/04/improve-the-user-experience-by-tracking-errors/

Rong

Comprehensive Review of Usability Tools

Hi class,

This posting may complement your Assignment 3:

http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2011/10/20/comprehensive-review-usability-user-experience-testing-tools/

Best,
Rong

Emotional Design

Hi class,

You might be interested in reading this piece on emotional design:

http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/emotional-design

Best,
Rong

Pubmed Visualization Tool

Hi Class,

Check out http://www.knalij.com/# for pubmed. Maybe this tool can help rethinking ADS visualization?

Best,
Rong

Clear Point UX Staffing Consultants

Hi class,

If you are interested in looking for an UX specialist position, you may want to see whether Clear Point, the recruiting company can be of assistance --


http://www.clearpnt.com/

Rong

eye-tracking and UX research

Hi class,

Please check out presentations on UX research and eye-tracking here:

http://grinbath.com/content/eyesay%E2%84%A2-webinars

See you in class soon!

Rong

Turn S.T.U P.I.D users to S. M. A. R. T.

Hi class,

This is an interesting article on how to turn your STUPID
Stressed
Tired
Untrained
Passive
Independent
Distracted
users to SMART by using the following strategies --
Simplify
Memorable
Accept autopilot
Recovery
Test in realistic situations

http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/are-your-users-s-t-u

Best,
Rong

9 Rules to make your icons clear

From UXMovement:

http://uxmovement.com/buttons/9-rules-to-make-your-icons-clear-and-intuitive/


Best,
Rong

Quick Overview of UX Research

Hi class,

You may be interested in reading the following posting:

http://sixrevisions.com/web_design/overview-user-experience-webdesigners/


Best,
Rong

Navigation Patterns for Different Types of Websites

Hi class,

Check out this article on different navigation patterns for different types of websites:

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/11/navigation-patterns-for-ten-common-types-of-websites/

Best,
Rong

Are academic websites in the decline?

Hi class,

You will be interested in reading this analysis of usage statistics of UK universities website:


http://ukwebfocus.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/are-university-web-sites-in-decline/




Best,
Rong

14 Tips for website tab usability

Hi class,

You will find the following article very interesting:

http://usabilitygeek.com/14-guidelines-for-web-site-tabs-usability/

Best,

Rong

Essential tools for testing usability of your websites

Very interesting article. Tools are arranged based on the following categories:

1. User Task Analysis
2. Readability
3. Site Navigability
4. Accessibility
5. Website Speed
6. User Experience

http://mashable.com/2011/09/30/website-usability-tools/

Best,
Rong

Eight popular tools to test .m of your site

Hi class,

Here is an interesting list of tools for testing the mobile version of your site:

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/10/8-popular-online-apps-to-test-the-mobile-version-of-your-site/

Best,

Rong

Selective Attention and UX Research

Hi class,

You might be interested reading this article (including a video) on human's intentional blindness and what does it mean to the UX research:

http://uxmag.com/articles/selective-attention-and-user-experience

Best,
Rong

Nielsen's Mobile Usability Study Update

Hi class,

You might be interested in reading the report from J Nielsen on their mobile usability research:

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/mobile-usability.html

Best,
Rong

Tips on using google analytics

Hi class,

Please read the following articles on the use of google analytics.

http://www.uxbooth.com/blog/4-quick-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-google-analytics/

Rong

Tools for getting feedback for your prototype or wireframe

Hi class,

Please read the following article to find out various tools that you can use to gather feedback about your website:

http://www.uxbooth.com/blog/tools-for-facilitating-feedback-on-prototypes-and-wireframes/

The tools listed are:

1. Notable: http://www.notableapp.com/

2. Recurse: http://recurseapp.com/

3. Protonotes: http://www.protonotes.com/

4. Basecamp: http://basecamphq.com/

5. Google Drawings: https://docs.google.com/

6. Skype Screen Share 

Best,

Rong

Effective Minimalism in Experience Design

Hi class,

You will be interested in reading this article about minimalism in design:

http://www.uxbooth.com/blog/effective-minimalism-in-experience-design/

Rong

Webcam Eye Tracking

Hi class,

You will be interested in reading this posting about webcam eye tracking:

http://www.rosenfeldmedia.com/books/eye-tracking/blog/the_truth_about_webcam_eye_tra/

Best,
Rong

View the UX Week 2011 Videos

Hi class,

You may want to check out some of the videos from the UX week 2011:

http://uxweek.com/2011/videos/

Best,
Rong

Screening out Liars

Hi class,

You will be interested in reading this article on screening out liars from your user research --

http://www.90percentofeverything.com/2009/09/24/screening-out-liars-from-your-user-research/

Best,
Rong

UMLibrary User Experience Specialist

Hi class,
Another job description for a User Experience position (See below).

Best,
Rong
------------------

User Experience Specialist

University of Michigan MLibrary, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan Library is seeking an innovative, and talented user experience professional to join our User Experience (UX) Department. We are looking for someone with a passion for better understanding users, the ability to use creative problem solving skills to design engaging interfaces, and an investment in improving the library web experience.

The User Experience Department (http://www.lib.umich.edu/user-experience-department) is part of the Library Information Technology Division (LIT) at the University of Michigan, University Library. LIT is the library's key organization for the creation, deployment and support of the library's primary web interfaces (Library Website, Mirlyn Library Catalog, Digital Library Collections, and HathiTrust Digital Library).

The UX department focuses on regular and mobile interface design, usability testing, user research, web use statistics, and accessibility. The UX Specialist works in a collaborative team environment - working closely with the UX Department Manager and another UX Specialist as well as LIT and library-wide project stakeholders. Proportion of time spent on interface design and user research is adjustable. We strongly encourage candidates who have experience in only interface design or user research to apply.

See the full job posting for more information and instructions for applying: http://www.lib.umich.edu/library-human-resources/user-experience-specialist

Contact Suzanne Chapman (suzchap@umich.edu) with any questions about the position.

------------------------------

Suzanne Chapman

Head, User Experience Department

Mlibrary | University of Michigan

suzchap@umich.edu

www.userslib.com

@MLibraryUX

Guide to UX Careers

Hi class,

You will want to check out "A guide to UX Careers" by Onward Search:

http://www.onwardsearch.com/UX-Career-Guide/

See you in class soon!

Rong

UX Researchers are in demand

Check out this posting:

http://smallbiztrends.com/2011/09/simplify-this-user-experience-experts.html

Rong

Slide show on arts and craft of research interviewing

Hi class,

You will want to check out this set of slides on research interviewing:

http://www.rosenfeldmedia.com/books/user-interviews/blog/slides_from_todays_workshop_-/

This is actually timely relevant to our class session.

Best,
Rong

UX Web Summit

Hi class,

The UX Web Summit will take place this Wednesday 9/28. Here is the link to the web summit site:

http://environmentsforhumans.com/2011/ux-web-summit/

Best,
Rong

You are not a UX designer if ...

Hi class,

You may be interested in reading this posting from Whitney Hess about UX designer:

http://whitneyhess.com/blog/2011/04/23/youre-not-a-user-experience-designer-if/

And the follow-up posting is here:

http://whitneyhess.com/blog/2011/06/07/follow-up-to-youre-not-a-user-experience-designer-if/

See you in class!

Rong

8 current technologies that will shape our future

These are believed to be the technology that will shape our future:

1. Smartphones
2. 3G and 4G Wireless Broadband
3. Cloud Computing
4. Eye-Tracking / Voice Commands
5. Augmented Reality
6. Social Networking
7. CAD, 3D Printing & Custom Products
8. Autonomous Cars

http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2011/8-current-technologies-that-will-shape-our-future/

Best,
Rong

UT San Antonio's Position: Digital User Experience Librarian

Hi class,

You may be interested in the following position.

Best,

Rong

-----

Digital User Experience Librarian:  First-Year Services

University of Texas at San Antonio Library – Main Campus

The University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries is seeking innovative, energetic, user-oriented candidates for the position of Digital User Experience Librarian in the First-Year Services Department at the Main Campus.

Reporting to the Head of First-Year Services, this position will assume a key role in developing user-centered web sites, learning modules, and other applications that intuitively deliver digital collections, resources and services.  The person in this position will employ standard user experience design, processes, and research methods and analyze usage statistics and trends to evaluate library users’ online needs.  Working collaboratively in a team environment, this position will coordinate usability assessment for the library, including designing and carrying out usability studies, analyzing usage statistics and user trends to support planning and development, and advising on the user-centered design requirements and recommending solutions for other departments and stakeholders.  This position will also work with the Communications Coordinator to provide oversight of changes and new content for the library website via a content management system (CMS).  Additional responsibilities will include working to build and manage the libraries’ social media presence; advising and recommending on web standards, styles, and accessibility guidelines; and actively exploring and making recommendations for best practices with current web technologies.  

Qualifications & Experiences:  Required: Masters in Human Computer Interaction, Information Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, or related field.  One year of experience in usability, web analytics, or related fields. Experience designing and executing web usability studies.  Strong knowledge of the field of human-computer interaction, experimental design, observational and field methods and data analysis. Experience with and understanding of Google Analytics or similar web analytics software. Demonstrated ability to work successfully within a collaborative environment with diverse groups. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong problem solving and organizational skills.  Ability to handle multiple responsibilities in a rapidly changing environment. Flexibility and eagerness to work in a changing environment    Preferred:  A high level of technical expertise regarding web technologies and their application in libraries.  Work experience in a large academic library.  Knowledge of survey methodologies and market research best practices.  Experience with website development and administration. Project management experience  

Salary: $42,036 (flexible, depending on qualifications).  This is a full-time, A&P, benefits-eligible position.

The UTSA Libraries include the John Peace Library on the Main Campus, the Downtown Campus Library, and our Applied Engineering and Technology Library – recognized by the New York Times and USA Today as the nation’s first bookless library on a university campus. The John Peace Library is nearing the end of a four-year renovation process informed by fresh thinking on collection management and student intellectual engagement.  The libraries are well-integrated into the intellectual life of campus through active partnerships with the Writing Center, Teaching and Learning Center and Tomás Rivera Center for Student Success. In support of UTSA’s ascent to premier research university status, the UTSA Libraries are proud to preserve the legacies of San Antonio and South Texas through our growing Special Collections featuring primary resource materials on San Antonio authors, architecture and urban development, Mexican cookery, women and women’s history, and the Texas-Mexico border region. 

The University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Texas and the third largest institution in the UT System. Serving the San Antonio metropolitan area and the broader region of South Texas, UTSA has more than 30,000 students enrolled in 64 bachelor’s, 48 master’s and 21 doctoral degree programs across its three campuses:   Main Campus, Downtown Campus and Hemisfair Park Campus.  UTSA nationally ranks fourth in the number of undergraduate degrees and 12th in the number of master's degrees awarded to Hispanic students. As a multicultural institution of access and excellence, UTSA aims to be a premier public research university providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

San Antonio, currently the seventh largest city in the United States, is a charming and colorful metropolis located on the edge of the scenic Texas Hill Country. The city is recognized as having one of the most recession-proof economies in the country, contributing to a low cost of living and inexpensive real estate.  With its vibrant ethnic traditions, rich history, thriving arts scene and 300 days of sunshine per year, San Antonio offers an exceptional quality of life.  

Closing Date:  10/14/2011

For a complete job description and to apply, please use STARS, the Streamlined Applicant Referral System, at https://www.utsajobs.com. Please reference requisition no. 20110479. For additional assistance, please call UTSA Human Resources at (210) 458-4250. This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

UTSA is an EEO/AA employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Interesting study for creating gesture guidelines

Hi class,

You will find this two-part report of creating gesture guidelines for tablets to be interesting:

Part 1:

http://www.uxbooth.com/blog/creating-gesture-guidelines-for-ipad-and-other-tablets-part-1/

Part 2:
http://www.uxbooth.com/blog/creating-gesture-guidelines-for-tablets-part-2/

Best,
Rong

Posting about "Persona"

Hi class,

You may find it worthwhile to read this piece on persona:

http://www.uxbooth.com/blog/personas-putting-the-focus-back-on-the-user/

Best,
Rong

Usability Research Field Prep Map

Hi class,

You will find this particular posting about things you need to have to survive when conducting a usability field research very interesting:

http://shelley-ann.com/2011/09/what-you-need-to-survive-going-into-the-field-its-not-just-your-research-plan/

Best,
Rong

Nielsen on Usability for Mobile Apps

Hi class,

You may be interested in this interview piece of Nielsen on usability of mobile sites and apps:

http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/2099266/jakob-nielsen-usability-mobile-sites-apps

See you in our first class meeting on the 12th!

Rong

Hello to Fall 2011 Class

Hi class,

I look forward to working with you in the fall semester!

I thought you might be interested in reading following articles on usability of IPad keyboard and netbook keyboard:


http://www.surl.org/usabilitynews/122/ipadtyping.asp

See you in a month!

Rong

Cognitive Bias Song

Hi class,

You may be interested in viewing this song about various kinds of human cognitive biases:

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/05/cognitive-bias-song/

See you in a few days,
Rong

Some new resources/tools

Hi class,

I just attended a webinar on information architecture by Donna Spencer, and found it very interesting. There are several resources/tools mentioned by Donna:

http://maadmob.com.au/

For scenario and task design, she mentioned:

Treejack (from optimalsort workshop)
plainframe.com

I used treejack but plainframe is first time I hear about it.

Best,
Rong

Welcome to LIS531Y Blog!

Dear Class,

This blog was created on the first day of 2011. I am very excited about the class. I will be using this blog to post news/resources that I consider to be relevant to our class.

Looking forward to see you in three weeks!

Rong