Why Usability?
Editor’s Note: This is my entry for Dr. Pete’s “Win A Usability Library” contest.
When I started college at RIT, I entered with the thought that I would exit as a web developer. I wasn’t completely happy with that thought because it seemed like a job where I was headed straight toward a cubicle with little human interaction. My first class in college, “Introduction to Human Factors”, changed everything. While jobs in human factors seemed few and far between at the time (and sometimes still do to this day), it seemed a lot more exciting to do research in the field and then make informed design decisions. I fell in love with research-inspired design, which is what we call it at HumanCentric.
Admittedly, it’s hard to stay on top of the latest research in the field. Google Reader and iTunes are constantly updating with new articles. Interactions, UX, and Ergonomics in Design sit on my coffee table and desk. But, I also have a growing list of books on my Amazon wishlist that aren’t in the library and I haven’t been able to obtain. Since the list has been growing out of control recently, I’ve started looking for a number of them around the office. I’m currently borrowing How We Decide from a former colleague. A good portion of the books I’m looking for are in the “Win A Usability Library” package.
One of the more recent phenomenons in the usability community is the establishment of UX book clubs. They’re a great idea, but getting your hands on the books can be a challenge! I have been looking into starting a Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill UX book club/book sharing group. This would keep me on my toes and hopefully others as well.
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