Happy World Usability Day!

November 3, 2005: World Usability Day ... now what's that?

Haven't heard of that one before ... I'm sure. But you don't have to look too far to figure this out. Don't you remember the umpteen times you have struggled to take the plastic cling wrap off a brand new CD?

"Why doesn't this work better? Why can't they make this easier?” World Usability Day, November 3, 2005, is for all the people who've ever asked questions like these- so says the Usability Professional's Association.

Remember the frustrations you've had with trying to figure out which direction to slide the credit card while making a payment? Remember that feeling at the gas station when you are left wondering how quickly to 'slide and remove' you credit card when you pay at the pump! How about the time when you want to switch between callers on your color screen cell phone, but hey- the screen light has switched off and left you in the dark just when you want to see the incoming number? Man am I stupid or is it actually that hard to remember the 4 step method to record a show from my TV- I know that feeling too! And do I not remember the innumerable instances as my guests have tried to wrestle their way out through my door- why do the door knobs have to turn both ways? Oh before I forget- winter is approaching and you are looking forward to that warm shower- make sure you get out of the way when you experiment with the shower knob.

So here's a message to all designers (just as they say at HFI): "To Err is Human, but they will blame you!". It's time to complain folks!

<-- Have you experienced this good interface yet?