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>not easy (2)
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Usability is branding in the interactive world
He illustrates this point with an investigation into why the Wall Street Journal’s mobile app is stricken with a low, two-star rating and nasty reviews from irate customers. Nielsen explains the app's first two screens leave subscribed users exasperated and convinced they are being charged for content they have already paid to view through the online channel. Double charging? Shame on you, WSJ!
Not so fast. In the words of Jessica Rabbit, “I’m not bad. I’m just drawn that way.” It’s the design that’s misleading users. Go further and they'll learn (on the third screen) the content is actually free for users subscribed through the website. The problem is most users don’t hang around that long.They abandon the app altogether on the first or second screen feeling annoyed and mistreated.Two sentiments you don’t want users associating with your brand.
It's important to remember the interactive world is low-commitment, particularly in the case of mobile apps. They tend to download for little to no money in little to no time. Since users aren't invested in these apps, they likewise won't invest much time into figuring out how they work. If your company has built an app to increase visibility, build loyalty, and encourage engagement, it must be useful, usable, and altogether easy.
By usability testing your app, you can determine if it is easy to use and meets customer's needs prior to putting it out for all of your users. Once it is out and available for all, it is open to rating and review. Avoid damaging your brand by finding out what is or isn't working before rolling it out to everyone.
Read Nielsen’s full article here.
not easy
This is not easy - LeapFrog Connect
Recently, while loading some books onto my daughter's Tag Junior, I found myself filling out a typical form. First name, "Sloane." Date of birth, "March...uh..." Rather than filled with months, the drop down box was filled with years. "Hmm...you must have read it wrong," I thought to myself. Nope, the label reads "Date of birth." I was still paralyzed for a moment with confusion (I'm not exaggerating here). At that time, I skipped ahead and noticed the next label, "Month." Why did the page designers complicate a simple and familiar entry form? I would guess it made sense to the them at the time, and they did not put it in front of users for usability testing.
This form is just another illustration of why usability testing is so important. Designers, like writers, have a hard time editing their work. It's important to get your designs in front of users during the design phase when changes can easily be made. Your designs will eventually go in front of all of your users where usability mistakes can cost you credibility, likeability, and customers.
