[Sigia-l] User Experience Honeycomb

[Thomas Vander Wal]

On 6/24/04 10:05 AM, "Eric Reiss" <elr at e-reiss.com> wrote:

>> I'm guessing, given the work he's done, that Peter thinks there's
> enough work to do on findability that it merits its own hexagon. 

I definitely think there is enough merit behind the graphic and
particularly findability.

> Granted, but findability and accessibility are still subsets of
> usability. If you think of these three terms as menu choices, would
> you use them on a website? Probably not.

I somewhat agree when thinking of usability in terms of the user being
able to interact with the digital elements in a manner that the user
gets the desired results (the information they desire).  But, the term
and concept of findability is often lost in development.  Development
can often focus on usability as the be-all-and-end-all.  The goal is
having the user find what they seek.  From this framework it is very
important to have usability and accessibility broken out as they are
distinct elements that impact the users ability to find the
information.

To me it seems that the elements in the hexagon are each items that
must be addressed when focusing on findability.  It is much like a
check list.  You would not want to miss accessibility if the
developers just checked off usability.  Accessibility for the disabled
gets left on the side far too often.

The nit I find in Peter's description of findability is with
accessibility as it should be broader.  Accessibility also includes
device access to information, which inhibits interaction with the
interface that provides the information in the same manner it inhibits
those with personal disabilities.  Fortunately the steps used to make
websites accessible also helps mobile users and those with less modern
computing and connectivity capabilities.

All the best,
Thomas