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San Diego, CA, United States
This blog was created to share the experiences of an inexperienced marketer (ME) trying to navigate the crazy world of internet marketing. I've got zero experience in the industry, but I'm here to figure it out and reveal to the world what I learn.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Usability

Based on researching website usability companies (for oh, about 3 hrs), there seems to be a broad spectrum of usability companies ranging from:

really uber "I have a Ph.D in cognitive psychology, human behavioral sciences and human-computer interaction" scientific companies
OR
companies that offer unrelated usability services, but work really hard and have cool software!

Website usability, defined by MarketingTerms.com, is "the ease with which visitors are able to use a Web site." Basically, it's the science and psychology of how to best design a website so every individual can successfully navigate and utilize the site for his or her needs. With this in mind, I definitely want a usability company with a strong background in the sciences and directors or principals with a Ph.D or Masters. That being said, I would also consider, a much more modestly priced usability company, with a long company list and proven track record.

What I wouldn't want is an overpriced usability company that focuses primarily on research and training and charges $25,000 for a ONE DAY "visioneering" intensive workshop. IF I or any company would pay that much for a one day workshop - you better supply some serious ROI facts, before any $$ is dropped on a workshop with a made-up name.

PC Magazine's List for Top Usability Firms
Human Factors International
Austin Usability/Perceptive Sciences
Creative Good
Cooper Interaction Design
Nielsen Norman Group
User Interface Engineering


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