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Subject:Re: Usability abuse? From:eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Mon, 15 Nov 2004 10:06:43 -0500
bounce-techwr-l-106467 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com wrote on 11/14/2004 02:04:01 PM:
> This isn't usability testing, that is griping.
Well, if it's whiny, unfocused, demanding, and made without any regard to
other design issues or known system limitations, then yes, it's griping.
But, if it is constructive, provided with proof, and includes a good
understanding of the system as a whole, then it most certainly is not
griping.
I write about systems whose internals are often far too complex for me to
understand all the internal workings and possible design compromises. But
I have found that all engineers are happy to talk about the compromises if
you are willing to talk to them.
Most of the time it's as simple as saying "Would it have been possible to
accommodate this? The current configuration seems clumsy." as opposed to
"Who's the idiot who designed this?!? No one in their right mind would
find this system usable!"
Often, engineers and designers are concentrating on their specific
component and don't necessarily grasp the more complex interactions or
service realities. If approached in a friendly and inquisitive manner,
they are usually more than happy to learn more outside their limited scope
and teach you some of their specialty.
I have given senior project managers and engineers product introduction
and operations courses and they have always remarked how impressed they
were with my detailed general knowledge of the equipment. After such
interaction, I don't think my suggestions, questions, or even properly
worded complaints have ever been seen as griping.
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