Andrew Wirtanen is a usability specialist in Cary, NC More »

Designing a Better Ballot

The design of the ballots in the 2000 election was a huge issue. The ballots in Florida (and perhaps elsewhere) were not properly designed and certainly not user-tested. AIGA (America Institute of Graphic Arts) tackled this problem and their solution was featured in the New York Times:

Goofy in “How to Hook Up Your Home Theater”

Here’s a funny Disney mock-instructional video about how to set up a home theater system:

As silly as the video is, tech companies could actually learn a lot from it. Goofy encounters a wide variety of usability issues. Many companies (e.g. Dell) conduct out-of-the-box studies to ensure a good user experience. Some companies (like Bose) attempt to make this process easier with home theater in-a-box solutions. But, the problem goes beyond sound. The whole setup process can be easy, but with all of the choices and little instruction that consumers receive, it can end up being complicated.

My recommendation is to do your research on an HDTV and buy one locally if it is larger than about 32 inches. Don’t buy anything else in the store. Buy cables (HDMI or Component) and a surge protector online. Invest in speakers only if you’re not happy with the TV’s speakers (try all of the audio setings on the TV too!). You may want to also invest in a Blu-Ray player for HD movies, but personally I am happy renting HD movies on my Apple TV. If you have Netflix, you can buy a Roku set-top box for renting HD movies.

[via Gizmodo via Cartoon Brew via Dark Roasted Blend]

AT&T Hates the Drop-Down List

There are many things that web designers can do to improve usability, but tampering with the Drop-Down List is not one of them. The only flaw of the Drop-Down List is that novice users may not know there is more than one option. The only visual cue to novice users have is the arrow. AT&T took it away at one of the most important parts of their website:

It’s interesting to me that someone looked at the Drop-Down List, and decided it needed to be changed. If only there was a usability specialist there to hold up a stop sign and redirect that energy.

The Onion: Yankees Building Vacation Stadium In The Hamptons

The Onion News Network, one of my favorite video podcasts, has just released a parody video of the New York Yankees and their thick wallet. It’s probably one of my favorite episodes they have ever done.

The Evil Empire closed the doors to Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008. The Yanks failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995. New Yankee Stadium will open on my birthday next year (April 16, 2009). Don’t bother to get me tickets unless the Red Sox are playing.

Jogging Through Tokyo with a Wii

This is the best Wiimote hack that I have ever seen. A Japanese programmer has created a Nintendo Wii and Google Maps (Street View) proof of concept. Wii Fit was a giant step forward for exercising with video games. However, some things are a little clunky. For example, to run in place, you run around a virtual course with the Wiimote in your pocket. One of the great pleasures of running is the constant change of scenery.

This video demonstrates that running in place becomes a lot more interesting with realistic scenery. It combines exercise with visual stimulation and learning. With full-motion video instead of Street View images, this would be a lot better.

Nintendo intends to satisfy all audiences with simple, rendered worlds and playful music. However, adults prefer real music and real world experiences (or at least that’s my guess). That’s why I’m predicting Wii Music will fail.

Try to run on the google street view like a jogging game of wii fit from katsuma on Vimeo.