Usability: some second thoughts

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Jonathan Jermey
Consultant & writer

'Usability' is usually presented as an objective, value-neutral target - a desirable goal we should all be aiming at - although our methods of achieving it may differ.

In this presentation, I suggest that placing a value on 'usability' necessarily devalues other human goals which may be as important or more important in the long run.

I maintain, moreover, that 'usability' itself is an ideologically-loaded concept which can be redefined by vested interests in order to bias the system in their favour.

Clients who insist on 'usability' and designers who claim to supply it should be aware of the wider implications of their choices.

About Jonathon

Jon Jermey is a computer trainer, indexer and database consultant with nearly thirty years of experience in applications computing. He has recently made the move across to a Linux environment and has written a book on Linux for new users.

Jonathon has set up a Linux training website at www.learnubuntu.com.au.

Jon lives in the Blue Mountains of NSW with his partner, Glenda Browne, and their children.

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