A consumer's enthusiasm for a new video recorder will quickly turn into frustration when, even after reading the instruction manual, he or she is still not able to operate the recorder. The reason for the frustration: too complicated controls or incomprehensible instructions. The more complex a piece of equipment is, the more important it is that user friendly technology (usability) is incorporated into the design of the device. Usability includes easy-to-understand user interfaces or functions and takes into account the consumer's wishes and expectations, for example virtual helpers in mobile telephones. Products should adapt to humans and not the other way around.

Photo: "Wobbie"

Interview: Usability

Designafairs

The market potential for user friendliness is difficult to assess because there are no comparative values available. Still, all experts agree that poor usability can hurt sales. For example, according to the Nielsen Norman Group, software with poor usability has cost the U.S. economy about 30 billion dollars annually in production losses since the late 1990s. Manufacturers were hurt twice in that they first completely neglected the concept of usability and, second, then tried to incorporate usability too late in the design process.

Photo: The cost of usability

Facts and Forecasts