Usability Test
Written by Gloria Metrick on . Published as written. It may not reflect how these systems work today.
I've gotten involved with a software usability study for a specific brand of software.
It's not laboratory informatics software but I have an interest in learning more about usability and UX (User Experience). I'm not looking to make myself an expert but I think it's useful to learn something about issues such as these to have an understanding of what is involved with them.
For example, my project management experience makes it easier for me to be a developer on a project where I work with a project manager (PM) than if I had no experience with it. I better understand what the PM needs and is trying to get from me.
While I do understand that many of the tools we use in the laboratory informatics industry are not particularly user-friendly compared with products of some other industries, it doesn't mean that I can't make some effort to try and make what I produce somewhat better than it might be if I made no effort.
While users can't necessarily appreciate that, as there will not be a "before" and a "after" for them to compare, I still believe that whatever efforts I make and no matter how small will somehow be reflected in some ease-of-use or other hard-to-measure benefit.
On a different topic, learning new things is critical to keeping our brains active and our outlooks fresh. Some of you might say that I'm fresh enough already but I'm still working on it. ;-)
Gloria Metrick
GeoMetrick Enterprises
http://www.GeoMetrick.com/