[Sigia-l] User Test Cost - Does this sound reasonable?

[BJ Cook]

Designer/Developer here, guess I'm a hybrid.

I think the two discussions going on are one in the same, in that they are
leading to this path where the roles of designer and developer cross,
somehow interact then disperse like salt and pepper on a project. Does it
necessarily need to be like this, in my opinion, NO.
I work in a 2 person design department where we are advocating usability as
an issue with our site and have been for the past 2 years. Well, our IT
manager doesn't believe in usability and testing, he believes in blind
deployment of his software and apps. If a product is to be functional on the
side of the client/customer/visitor/etc. these two parts must overcome their
industry-ridden differences work together, understanding the function of
each other. Using the fundamental practices that we each use on a daily
basis to be a forward thinking team. The idea of a team had been a pretty
successful foundation through many disciplines and ways of life.
I am looking at these two dialogues from an outside view but a view that
exists in both areas: Designer + Developer
I think it takes an understanding of both to succeed today and to bridge the
gap between techinical and creative, moveable parts and organic. This isn't
one of those "can't we all just get along messages," but let's drop the
ignorance and the old-world way of thinking and put one of each shoe on and
understand our own roles while nurturing our connection with the other. this
industry isn't about apples and oranges, it's moving ahead; it's Braeburn
and Red Delicious.

BJ Cook
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