Institutionalization of Usability: Overview

Dr. Eric Schaffer has spearheaded the institutionalization of usability in companies throughout the world to make user-centered design a routine part of the development process.

On November 1st, 2001, he outlined his vision in a Webcast, "The Institutionalization of Usability." You can connect to this archived Webcast at your own convenience.

Connect to the archived Webcast

Insights you will gain:

• Practical Usability—Companies who fully integrate usability engineering into their business culture will gain a competitive advantage in the coming decade. Dr. Schaffer shows how you can systematically implement a usability initiative based on scientific principles.
• The Third Wave of the Information Age—In the 1980s, hardware was the differentiator for success. In the 1990s it was software. Dr. Schaffer points out that the only remaining differentiator is USABILITY.
• Institutionalization of Usability—Dr. Schaffer demonstrates that to fully benefit from usability the technology must become a routine part of your corporate culture and methodology. This is not as easy as it seems, but the benefits are enormous, both for internal and external users.
• Holistic Strategy—Usability must be introduced with a holistic process. Several key elements must come together to make it successful. But in a couple of months the major initiatives can be complete and the process can be well started.
• Measuring Success—Usability success must be measured and evaluated. Dr. Schaffer discusses which measures will give an accurate indication of progress.
• Getting Started—Dr. Schaffer outlines the key steps to begin a usability program.