[Sigia-l] REMINDER: NH UX October Meeting: Tues Oct 30, Carolyn Snyder - "Bias in Usability Testing"

[Kyle Pero Soucy]

**Apologies to those that have received this announcement more than once.**

This is a reminder that the NH UX October meeting is tomorrow night!
IMPORTANT: RSVP required. Please RSVP to amy at madpow.net if there's a chance
you may attend.

Topic: Bias in Usability Testing
Speaker: Carolyn Snyder
When: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
          6:30 - 7:00pm Food, Beverages & Networking
          7:00 - 7:15pm NH-UX Info Update
          7:15 - 8:15pm Presentation
Where: Fidelity, 2 Contra Way, Merrimack NH (Directions below)

RSVP: Please RSVP to Amy Cueva: amy at madpow.net

Abstract:
In usability testing, we strive to eliminate bias so that the results will
be accurate. But what is bias anyway? How does it affect our results? What
can we do about it? And are we, as usability specialists, truly objective?
Usability consultant Carolyn Snyder will lead a stimulating discussion about
bias in usability testing - something we encounter on a daily basis but may
not consciously think about. There are many sources of bias in usability
testing, from users to tasks to reporting. Every testing methodology is
biased, and so are we as facilitators. But bias is not something to be
shunned. Instead, we need to understand its sources and weigh its effects.
Sometimes, bias can even be harnessed to serve our purpose. Come to this
presentation and you'll never look at your testing methods the same way
again!

Bio:
Carolyn Snyder is an independent usability consultant in the greater Boston
area. In the past 15 years she has conducted hundreds of usability tests on
dozens of products and interfaces. Carolyn is the author of the book Paper
Prototyping (she'll give away a copy at this presentation) and co-author of
two books on web site usability. She has a BS in Computer Science and an
MBA, both of which have biased her perspective :-). More information
concerning Carolyn's consultancy is available at Snyder Consulting
(http://www.snyderconsulting.net ).

Directions:
>From Boston:
Take I-93 North to exit 37, I-95 (128) South
Alternate route: Take I-93 North to 495 South to Route 3 North.
Proceed on I-95 south to the exit for Route 3 North/Everett Turnpike.
Continue on Route 3 North to exit 10. Upon entering New Hampshire, note that
the exit
signs begin with #1
After the toll booth take a left turn
At the second set of lights take a left onto Spartan Way
Follow signs to 2 Contra Way - Check in is at Main Lobby at 2 Contra Way.

>From Manchester & Portsmouth:
Take 101 West
Take the Exit for the Everett Turnpike South
Continue south to exit 10, Merrimack
Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Industrial Drive
At the first set of lights turn left onto Spartan Way
Follow signs to 2 Contra Way - Check in is at Main Lobby at 2 Contra Way.

--
Kyle Pero Soucy
Founding Principal, Lead Consultant
Usable Interface
Usability and Interface Design Consulting

Phone: (603) 205-0315
Email: kylesoucy at usableinterface.com
Website: http://www.usableinterface.com