This week’s assignment in Usability I was about measuring the results of usability and the difference between quantitative and qualitative measurements.
Despite their power and precision, I have to admit to a deep distaste for most things quantitative. Over the years I’ve taken four courses in statistical methods, two in undergrad and two at the graduate level. I received A’s in all but one of those classes. I have great respect for data and the ability to slice it in different ways, yet it is simply a way of thinking that I do not enjoy.
As part of this week’s assignment we had to choose a quantitative method of measuring the usability of a website. I know that doing that is valuable, I just don’t like it. Working with tax software, I see the same split. We have visual and interaction designers that are left-handed, right-brained folks. I like them. I get along well with them. Then we (because it’s tax after all) have those that love their calculations. Although I manage to get along with those folks, I typically don’t enjoy being around them.
I guess I’m glad that usability has room for both types, but if you tell me you’d rather focus on human emotion than data, I’ll probably enjoy being around you.
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