Amazons Beschreibung
“Institutionalization of Usability” shows how to make user-centered design and development a routine practice within an enterprise. Based on Schaffer’s extensive experience, the book provides a solid methodology, guiding readers step-by-step with practical advice on topics such as organizational change, milestones, toolsets, infrastructure, and staffing requirements needed to achieve fully mature usability engineering.
Reviewed by Ruth Haworth:
“(…)
Institutionalization of Usability: A Step-by-Step Guide by Eric Schaffer describes ways to show that a change to user-centered design is needed-which he calls a wake-up call-and explains how to attract an executive champion. He describes how to write a strategy for changing the development process, as well as how to create a development process that incorporates user-centered design. He describes the training that is required, both initially and on an ongoing basis. Many of the chapters contain real-life examples that enhance what he is saying.
However, as someone who is reading Institutionalization of Usability with the intent to actually follow its plan, I have a big problem. Schaffer envisions such a fully institutionalized system of usability that it feels impossible to achieve. He insists that it is necessary to hire consultants to design the usability initiative, and says that a budget of $500,000 is required for a large company. That’s just the start. He estimates that the total cost of institutionalizing usability is $1 million to $3 million per year. Along with the creation of a usability department, he says we also need to train staff in all departments in user-centric design; and ultimately put in place a Chief User Experience Officer, or CXO.
This is an ideal that is so far beyond what is possible in the near term that aiming towards it may doom the entire initiative. My first reaction was a kind of despair-it seems that user-centric development as Schaffer describes it is unaffordable and unfeasible. And yet, after reading the book, I’m convinced by Schaffer’s business acumen, common sense, and understanding of the software development process. When he cites the 1-3 million dollar figure he adds a footnote that this estimate is based on 20 years of experience working with hundreds of clients. He knows what needs to be done and how to do it.
(…)
All things considered, Institutionalization of Usability is an important addition to the canon of usability literature.”
Literaturverweis
Schaffer E. (2004): “Institutionalization of Usability A Step-by-Step Guide”, Addison-Wesley Professional
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Book Review: Institutionalization of Usability A Step-by-Step Guide
