Poll Reveals Critical Nature of Usability Engineers

In a poll of 300 software buyers, carried out by Red Gate Software, specialist in database development tools, ease of use came out on top as the number one priority for most buyers of software – highlighting the critical nature of usability engineers in software development.

The company’s SQL Bundle customers were asked why they would recommend Red Gate products, with an expectation that the majority would choose one of the first three options: time-saving, speed, or accuracy. Instead a conclusive 65% chose the fourth option – ease of use.

Red Gate Software designs simple SQL Server tools and the company philosophy has always focused on simplicity – its strap-line being 'ingeniously simple tools'. This recent survey confirms that many software buyers rank simplicity above other criteria too.

For IT professionals getting up to speed, quickly and efficiently, with the latest software products and tools is the key to business continuity, time efficiency and cost effectiveness. Wading through a manuscript of user guides or waiting for complex training classes devours time and displaces staff from work situations.

The prospect of this leaves many organisations reluctant to try new software tools because of the effort involved in evaluating the different options and becoming familiar with a new product.

'Part of the problem is that packaged solutions often come with a wide range of features designed to serve disparate requirements and many vendors try to create a catch-all product that is seen as better value than the competitors. Software that bundles extensive additional features or is designed to solve multiple problems will invariably suffer in the usability stakes and that’s why usability engineers have always been a focal point for us,' said Dominick Reed, Head of User Experience at Red Gate Software.

Associated Link: Red Gate Software

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