EVENTS
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Ignite Columbus 2 >
Columbus, Ohio
January 21st, 2009Ideas Welcome- 20 presenters, 5 minutes a presentation, come join us for Ignite Columbus 2 - 6-9pm.
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World Usability Day >
Miamisburg, OH
November 13th, 2008Katie & Sri presenting: Experiential Heuristics: Moving Beyond Usability
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What Have You Done For Me Lately? - a Design Research Work Session with Lextant >
Seattle, WA
October 9th, 2008What have you done for your local chapter of IDSA and what has your local chapter of IDSA done for you? Attend and see.
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Insights & Blog_In Here and Out There
Our observations of the world around us
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Is the tablet PC really what the doctor ordered?
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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.