[IxDA Discuss] Most usable doesn't always mean best solution

[Elizabeth Buie]

Todd writes:

>Elizabeth, there are a lot of people out in the field, especially  
>marketing agencies, 

Well, there you have it.  They're marketing folks.  IMNERHO they aren't usability 
professionals; they're just calling themselves that.


>I include satisfaction in my definition of usability, 

Then would you mind explaining what you had in mind when you said that a design 
was less usable but more satisfying?  Help me out here.  


>You might not see that in your work, but that might be due to the  
>industry you're focused in. 

I have clients in the government, nonprofit, and commercial sectors.
Which industry did you have in mind?  :-)


>Likewise, since I'm not involved in  
>government work, where we're not obligated to be bound by ISO  
>standards, I see it pretty often.

I am not talking about being "bound" by ISO standards.  I am talking about 
knowing the definition of usability, which happens to be best captured in 
ISO 9241/11.  This definition comes up rather frequently among people who 
actually *are* usability professionals.  

Elizabeth