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EVENTS

  • IDSA 2008 Conference: Polar Opposites > Phoenix, Arizona
    September 10-13, 2008

    Chris will debunk 10 design myths at this influential industry event. Learn more.

  • Design Research Conference 2008 > Chicago, Illinois
    September 19-20, 2008

    Lextant will attend this valuable series of meetings held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Will you be there? Let us know.

  • likemind Columbus > Columbus, Ohio
    June 20, 2008

    Join Leah & Lauren, 8 am at the Cup O' Joe in the Short North as they host likemind.

Insight & Ideas_In Here and Out There

Our observations of the world around us

  • Is the tablet PC really what the doctor ordered? by Colette Vardeman on April 09, 2008

    One of the things that’s always bugged me about medical visits — doctor, dentist, you name it — has been the paperwork. In an era of digital everything, why must all our records and insurance info and background and prescriptions be in handwritten hardcopy? No one likes to deal with it: patients, admins, no one. (Well, maybe HIPAA regulators.)

    So I was surprised and delighted during a recent visit to my doctor. For the first time ever, I was presented with a tablet PC to fill out my paperwork. I was able to quickly describe my history and symptoms, review some related medical information, and even print a healthy recipe. Finally, I thought.

    Then I noticed an older lady who was clearly unfamiliar with this “new” technology.

    But before she could even think about using tablet she had to figure out how to carry it. In one hand she carried her purse and assorted medications. Her other hand was wrapped around the grip of her cane. A pleading and flustered look prompted the receptionist to help her to a seat.

    Seeing technology used in new ways, and by people of all ages, is an education and an inspiration. I wondered how this lady felt about this new tool. Did she miss the familiar paper forms? Did she struggle to find the stylus like others I had observed? Was the text on the screen legible? Did she understand how to navigate it? Could she comfortably balance the device in the lap of her small frame and interact with it to provide the information necessary to manage her health care? Had anyone given her instructions? Or a choice?

    As I was summoned for my appointment I was reminded that observing people in their environment defines a user experience framework made up of cognitive, emotional, and physical interactions that can only be observed in person. These observations are the foundation of a designer’s frame of reference and are the springboard for innovation.

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