Whales and usability consultants

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We were watching Planet Earth last night (brilliant TV) and they were showing a sequence with a humpback whale mother and calf. The mother was supporting the calf close to the surface so that it could breath. “Imagine being born into an atmosphere* that you can’t breath!” – I said. “If it were up to usability consultants there would be no whales!” – came the response from the Voice of BBC Long Melford.

Bit harsh.

But I will use it as my reminder that ‘most usable’ alone doesn’t always lead us to the best solution! I’m still not getting anywhere with those Japanese robots though…

*probably not the most scientifically correct description but you know what I mean.

About the author

Ivanka

Ivanka Majic works in technology. She was Head of Design for Ubuntu, service managed Digital Marketplace through to beta, was acting director of digital for the Labour Party. She lives and works in Brighton where she works with the council’s digital first team, does a bit of teaching at Sussex University, and works with her husband on projects like restaurantsbrighton.co.uk and the BRAVOs. She has also started a podcast with her friend Michael which you can listen to at grandpodcast.com.

5 comments

  • Best solution…… hmmmmmmmmm……
    Why solution always must be “Best” ? Best for what (how “best solution” whales are)?
    What about “balanced solution”?

  • I agree. Best is not a useful word.

    I like balanced. What do you think about ‘most appropriate’ or is that just balanced?

  • i don’t have a problem with ‘best’, as long as it’s best in context. There is no ‘absolute’ best.

    Best is good because it encourages you to strive beyond ‘good enough’, and I think that’s a very good thing. (the best thing? 😉 )

  • ‘Most appropriate’ refers to external constraints. I always strive for ‘the best’!

    🙂

By Ivanka

About Author

Ivanka

Ivanka Majic works in technology. She was Head of Design for Ubuntu, service managed Digital Marketplace through to beta, was acting director of digital for the Labour Party. She lives and works in Brighton where she works with the council’s digital first team, does a bit of teaching at Sussex University, and works with her husband on projects like restaurantsbrighton.co.uk and the BRAVOs. She has also started a podcast with her friend Michael which you can listen to at grandpodcast.com.

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