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

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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