Media: Alertbox gets back to Research, on Newsletters and on Flash

The most significant finding from our recent usability testing of ten email newsletters is that users have highly emotional reactions to newsletters' says Jakob Nielsen, reporting a new study. 'This is in strong contrast to studies of website usability, where users are usually much more oriented towards functionality. Even a website that you visit daily will feel like a tool where you want to get in and get out as quickly as possible and not connect with the site.' He contrasts this 'tool' perspective with the personal feeling as newsletters arrive in your inbox and the 'ongoing relationship' established with them.

This is an interesting Alertbox, after a few less research-based topics. The next, on Flash and designing for users with disabilities, also offers findings, though very preliminary ones. By publishing on this, Nielsen is reminding everyone that he is now working for Macromedia as consultant, and hackles may rise again (see Flash Critic Nielsen turns Macromedia Advisor).

He reports that Flash sites are easier for those with disabilities to use 'when designers combine visual and textual presentations, minimize incessant movement, decrease spacing between related objects, and simplify features'. Of course, the term 'disabilities' covers many types of issue and just which are being addressed in not made clear on site, but a report is downloadable.

Associated Link: Alertbox

All change at the top for System Concepts
Source: System Concepts Ltd, 3 July 2009
 
Leslie Fountain has been promoted to joint Managing Director of leading usability consultancy System Concepts.

Life in UCD immortalised in fiction: you couldn't make it up
Source: UN, 2 July 2009
 
Sarah Herman's fictitious book on life in a user-centred design company has hit the shelves and The Guardian's book pages...

Interfaces Magazine - Issue 79: The Education Issue
Source: Interaction Group, 1 July 2009
 
The latest issue of Interfaces is now available as a free download from the Interaction Website.

Two new Behavioural research Tools from Noldus
Source: UN, 30 June 2009
 
Tool updates make on-site behavioural data collection easier.

Cell Phones that Listen and Learn
Source: MIT Technology Review, 29 June 2009
 
New software tracks a user's behavior by monitoring everyday sounds.

Top Six Don’ts for Usability Testing
Source: FutureNow Inc., 27 June 2009
 
Six tips for creating quality usability tests to ensure useful feedback from testers.

Usability: ‘Lovely software. But I can’t work it’
Source: FT.com, 26 June 2009
 
In a recent survey by Global Graphics, 77 per cent of office workers estimate they lose up to one hour a week because business software is difficult to use.

And what do you do?
Source: Dexo Design, 25 June 2009
 
How do you describe your job role? Here are the results of a recent 'Preferred UX/UI Title' Poll.

Most Doctors cite Usability as critical to Electronic Health Record Adoption
Source: TMCNet, 24 June 2009
 
It's all about 'meaningful use'.

Glossy monitors look good but can hurt
Source: QUT, 23 June 2009
 
A new advisory cites research which suggests high gloss monitors make users sit awkwardly.