User Experience Standards Missing from Web 2.0 Designs

CHICAGO , ILLINOIS , November 4, 2008— User Centric, Inc. ( www.usercentric.com ), a Chicago-based user experience research firm, released a white paper today urging usability professionals to be more involved with the development of Web 2.0 tools that allow users to contribute, create and collaborate online. The white paper, titled “Web 2.0 Needs to Include the User Experience Perspective,” provides an overview of the business strategies and current standards of Web 2.0 technologies, as well as recommendations from the end user's perspective to facilitate the adoption of these technologies.

User Centric's team of user experience professionals found the user experience perspective is sometimes overlooked because design guidelines originate from a business strategy perspective.  Without guidance from the user experience perspective, developers and users are creating ad hoc design and interaction standards on their own, often without regard for usability. By combining advice from business strategists and technologists with the user experience perspective, Web 2.0 implementations will have a better chance at success.

“It's amazing that more hasn't been done to develop Web 2.0 usability guidelines,” says Robert Schumacher , Managing Director at User Centric. “There is a genuine need to establish standards based on solid research and analysis – and soon – or the users will have to adapt to a myriad of interaction styles.”

While acknowledging the expertise of business strategists and developers in their fields, the white paper identifies fruitful opportunities for further research and analysis that would benefit user-minded businesses.

Download this white paper:
User-Centric-Web-2.0-Usability.pdf (Adobe PDF, 177KB)

About User Centric, Inc.

User Centric is a global consulting firm that focuses on improving user experience. We apply our expertise to projects involving handhelds, web sites, software, medical devices, print, packaging, and telephony services. Experience, quality, value, global reach and outstanding client services set us apart. Our services include user research, user interface design consulting, information architecture, usability testing, user interface evaluations, eye tracking, and online surveys. Learn more about us at www.UserCentric.com.