Usability

Based on researching website usability companies (for oh, about 3 hrs), there seems to be a broad spectrum of usability companies ranging from:

really uber “I have a Ph.D in cognitive psychology, human behavioral sciences and human-computer interaction” scientific companies

OR

companies that offer unrelated usability services, but work really hard and have cool software!

Website usability, defined by MarketingTerms.com, is “the ease with which visitors are able to use a Web site.” Basically, it’s the science and psychology of how to best design a website so every individual can successfully navigate and utilize the site for his or her needs. With this in mind, I definitely want a usability company with a strong background in the sciences and directors or principals with a Ph.D or Masters. That being said, I would also consider, a much more modestly priced usability company, with a long company list and proven track record.

What I wouldn’t want is an overpriced usability company that focuses primarily on research and training and charges $25,000 for a ONE DAY “visioneering” intensive workshop. IF I or any company would pay that much for a one day workshop – you better supply some serious ROI facts, before any $ is dropped on a workshop with a made-up name.

PC Magazine’s List for Top Usability Firms
Human Factors International
Austin Usability/Perceptive Sciences
Creative Good
Cooper Interaction Design
Nielsen Norman Group
User Interface Engineering

I created a blog, so now what?

I stumbled upon a great blog which gives BEGINNER BLOGGERS everything they need to know to grow, customize, enhance and do everything possible to create a superstar blog.  The link to the site is on the left-hand side and I’m not going to reinvent the wheel or anything, but here’s the gist of what I learned and the steps anyone should take after creating a blog.

A) Start posting.

B) Add your blog’s URL to Blog Directories, Feed Directories and search engines so you can drive traffic to your site.

C) Add tags to your postings.   They basically sort postings into category listings which makes it easier for readers to find relevant posted information.

D) Add links.  Another way to drive traffic.