[Sigia-l] Transitioning into a user-centered role

[Boniface Lau]

> From: Bret Hekking
> 
> I'd appreciate general advice on how best to promote (from within)
> usability/UCD as a worthwhile endeavor that I begin to enact.

Share your UI perspective with team members as you socialize with
them. That will better sensitize them to the UI role than through the
'usability workshops'. Usability is not a one time event, but a
continual awareness in people's mind.

When you find out what they are working on and believe you have
something to contribute, make sure that you know your stuff - people
who have a work product to deliver are quick to spot fluff. Don't
bother to parade principles or expert opinions. Instead, help people
to apply principles and expert opinions to improve the work products.
I see that as walking the talk.

Of course, you will have to convince them that your proposed change
will actually improve the user experience. After they've seen the
improved result, you can tell them the principles and expert opinions
that had guided your contribution. By then, people will be much more
receptive.


Boniface