Comments for usability fail.

Comment on user testing fail by Marc Toner

Marc Toner — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:43:11 +0000

That’s a prime example how lazy testing can result in really negative press. As you said, I doubt there are any evil intentions, but the message is the same no matter if bad or good faith…and it’s so avoidable, especially for a huge company like HP.

Comment on user testing fail by Damon

Damon — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:55:03 +0000

I typed in this domain hoping it was either unregistered or already home to a massive database of niggling user-submitted usability faults. this is close enough. Keep ‘em coming!

Comment on the VW Beetle: fun versus affordances by George

George — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:09:21 +0000

The seat adjustments in a VW should be the standard for cars.
I love the way the whole seat folds forward when you pull the easy to access handle.
The lever on the bottom of the seat lowers the seat when pumped down and raises it when pumped up.
The dial on the side of the seat allows for precise adjustment of the seat back. Rotate clockwise to recline; Counterclockwise to straighten the seat back. Far better then the lever system on most cheaper cars.
IMHO these are completely logical.

As for the radio; it’s terrible.

The hood release is in the normal location.

Comment on Indiana FAIL by Zach

Zach — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:47:11 +0000

I always wondered about this myself. I always type the URL, virtually never use bookmarks. I also generally still type http://. I don’t know why…

Comment on Indiana FAIL by Tijmen Smit

Tijmen Smit — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:33:18 +0000

This is one of the things that really annoys me sometimes. You think you tried the wrong url since it didn’t work, only seconds later you realize that just adding the www would fix it.

I know of a website from a big international company that receives 1500+ visitors a day, but the version without the www just doesn’t work.

I told them of the problem several times almost a year ago, but the still haven’t fixed it.

Comment on making communication more usable by Richard Morton - Accessible Web Design

Richard Morton - Accessible Web Design — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:55:59 +0000

Thanks for sharing that. It gives a good perspective on the sort of problems that even “accessible technologies” don’t seem to solve. Given how much technology has moved on in recent years, particularly in mobile phones, there are plenty of opportunities for things to be much improved.

Comment on making communication more usable by Steve Grobschmidt

Steve Grobschmidt — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:17:17 +0000

This certainly is an eye-opening read. Reading about simply what TTYs are — what they are, what they do — is one thing. Hearing actual experiences….and frustrations….with them is much more telling.

And amen to “making something accessible for one person makes it accessible for everyone”. Accessibility isn’t just some niche thing — it’s about everybody.

Comment on making communication more usable by Lee

Lee — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:21:47 +0000

I haven’t used CapTel specifically, but it looks like just another way of saying “relay service”. I used Michigan Relay Service for years until I migrated online…very handy! Surprised you don’t have anything like that in Australia.

Comment on making communication more usable by Making communication more usable: Very g… « Squawk

Making communication more usable: Very g… « Squawk — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:31:04 +0000

[...] communication more usable: Very good read about accessibility, usability, TTYs, deafness from http://usabilityfail.com/?p=200 [...]

Comment on making communication more usable by Michael Lockrey

Michael Lockrey — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:21:08 +0000

Great post and I have a very similar background with TTY’s here in Australia. J

ust one query though – have you used CapTel? When I visited the USA last year, the ability to make CapTel calls was a phenomenal experience for a long time TTY user.