User Experience Professionals Association of Los Angeles

World Usability Day

Nov 11, 2010 · 7:00 PM
Primitive Spark

World Usability Day has finally come to LA and usability problems are running rampant all over the city! This is no time to nap or sit back and think. As usability professionals we envision a world free of usability problems, and we constantly strive to make the world a more usable place. On World Usability Day, let’s take things up a notch, shall we?
About World Usability Day An international event established in 2005 by the Usability Professionals’ Association to ensure that the services and products important to life are easier to access and simpler to use. The 2009 celebration included 150+ events in 40+ countries. 2010’s theme is focused on creating greater awareness for design, products and services that improve and facilitate communication. More info at
worldusabilityday.org
This year’s theme: Communication
Your Mission (Should You Choose To Accept It) In preparation for World Usability Day, we at Los Angeles UPA challenge you to get out there starting now and be a usability hero in your own way. Observe, record and concoct ingenious solutions. We’re here to spur you on, support and inspire you. If you’re not sure of a solution, point out the problem anyway!
Go Solo or Collaborate Strike out on your own or, better yet, get your colleagues, friends and neighbors involved in hunting down and solving usability problems. A group exercise is a great way to spread the word about usability in your organization!
How It Works/What to Do The steps below give a quick overview of recommendations to help you on your way to World Usability Day greatness. Download our
Inspiration doc or
Group Activity Kit for additional ideas and recommendations on how to approach the process, and tools to help you enlist co-workers.
Step 1: Starting today, examine the products and experiences around you and take note of usability problems.
Step 2: Capture usability problems. This can be a simple snapshot, napkin sketch or as complex as a detailed diagram – your choice.
Step 3: (Extra Credit) Devise and document solutions for the usability problem(s) you encounter. Again, keep it simple or go all out – it’s up to you.
Step 4: Post your problems and solutions
by November 9 to our
Facebook wall for the community to see or send them to
[masked]
Step 5: Your usability problems and solutions will be shared in person at UPA LA’s World Usability Day event on November 11th. Join us in celebrating a more usable world!
Our Sponsor
Primitive Spark Primitive Spark is an interactive agency inspired by humans. The name illustrates our view that the most meaningful innovations emerge from an understanding of basic human needs.
Learn more at our website

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A former member

Wasn't there for that long (had another engagement) but I had a blast - and the slideshow was put together in a really engaging way.

0 · November 12, 2010
Susan O.

Really fun to hang out with like minded folk and share our usability pet peeves.

0 · November 12, 2010
A former member

The smaller, intimate setting really allowed for interaction--discussions, arguments, and just getting to know more about members. It was obvious that the topic (Communication in Los Angeles) and the problems that were highlighted really agonized people. So much so there were a lot of potential solutions discussed.

0 · November 12, 2010
Hilary B.

A great intimate group in a great setting. Everyone enjoyed networking and there was a lot of communication overall. A spirited group with lots of comments about the presentation and participation in the group exercises. Wonderful space. Great!

0 · November 12, 2010
Hilary B.

Gabriel, thanks for staying home rather than coming and sharing your germs! Feel better soon and we'll see you at the next event.

0 · November 11, 2010
Gabriel D.

Feeling a little stuffy so it's best I rest. Hope it's a great event for everyone!

0 · November 11, 2010
Hunter

Hi organizers, thank you for putting this on!

I was wondering: Do you have a bit more detail about the schedule? Is it a good assumption that we'll mingle for an hour, with the presentations starting at around 8?

0 · November 9, 2010