November 07, 2003

Wheel Mouse + Drop-downs = Gotcha! for Ecommerce Sites and Web Form Users

The lesson: new user input devices can create new interaction issues... The Devil’s in the Details

So, trying to scroll toward the submit button, you have actually changed your credit card expiry from 2004 to 2009, before you realize the wheelie isn’t scrolling the page. Furrowing your brow, focused on the fact the wheel isn’t doing what it’s supposed to be doing – and completely unaware you’ve entered a new expiry – you click your mouse (the technological equivalent of kicking your car’s tires), thereby locking in your new selection – and continue with the process. You submit the order ... The next thing you know, you’ve got one of those emails that I got (hopefully a nice one). “Your credit card was declined.”

I've personally experienced this problem. This would be a great interaction issue for someone to research. (Hint, hint, folks at SURL...)

November 06, 2003

Wanna Dance?

This has evidently been around for some time, but I can't recall seeing it before. The Dancing Jakob Nielsen (note it requires sound for the best experience).

Apologies to Jakob.

Note to self #1: think twice before putting "action photos" on web site.

Note to self #2: you'll know you've got people's attention when they take the time to create parodies poking fun at you.

November 03, 2003

UI Development Roles

Bob Owen has a nice (albeit slightly mis-titled) breakdown of "Roles in the Development of User Interface Software" on his site. (Mistitled because I think it's a description of roles in development of software user interfaces.)

"This document describes the five major user interface software development roles Ethnographer, Interaction Designer, Graphic Artist, User Interface Programmer and Usability Tester. Also discussed are the type of work products produced, typical background for each role and a simple user interface software development process."

Compare and contrast with:
- Challis Hodge: Experience Design Relationship Model from Models, Diagrams & Theories

- AIGA-ED Presentation: Role: Usability Specialist, presented by Steve Krug and some other sharp folks

- Step Two: Roles needed in an intranet team