User Centric Takes Part in International Parking Meters Study for World Usability Day

CHICAGO, IL, November 10, 2008 - User Centric participated in a global usability study to bring awareness to the field of user-centered design for World Usability Day, celebrated November 13, 2008. To highlight the theme of transportation, the UXalliance (www.uxalliance.com), an international network for leading user experience firms, carried out a worldwide study on the user experience with parking meters. The International Parking Meters Study explored interface and interaction design of parking meters around the world and examined different parking meter interfaces and the common problem of designing an interface to accommodate a broad range of users.  User Centric was responsible for the US evaluation.

Using parking meters is an everyday activity for many and a novel experience for some; one that should be intuitive enough not require much thought from the user.  The International Parking Meters Study provides insight into how and where interface and interaction design can be applied to avoid potential annoyance and unnecessary costs.  Th is study is a good opportunity to learn what is designed well and what is not designed well.  Results will be available on the UXalliance website www.UXalliance.com and User Centric's website www.usercentric.com on November 13, 2008.

About the World Usability Day

World Usability Day is an international event hosted by the Usability Professionals' Association (UPA) which promotes the value of usability engineering, user-centered design, and every user's responsibility to ask for things that work better. Each year, on the second Thursday of November, over 225 events are organized in over 40 countries around the world to raise awareness for the general public, and train professionals in the tools and issues central to good usability research, development and practice.

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.