Download the Usability Presentation

Last October 10, I conducted my first orientation about Usability to my colleagues in Cebu Holdings. Click here to download the presentation.

Getting a whole new perspective with Usability

As I delve deeper into Usability and User Experience (UX) research, my perspective towards web development and design drastically changed. It gave me an entirely different paradigm on development approaches - its strategies and techniques - on how to deliver a website where users can be truly satisfied.

Usability is akin to the ISO 9001 certification where quality and customer satisfaction is a requirement. I totally understand those terms as my current employer [my full-time job] is certified in 3 ISO certifications and where our quality policy evolves entirely on our customers. So the term "Usability" is really something big now that I need to incorporate it in my development processes to give me an edge.

So what impacts it has on me are:

• the ability to see my clients' needs better by getting all vital information in all aspects if the project - audience, technology, goals, marketing plans, etc. 
• coming up with proposals that are sensitive to the client's budget and goals.
  
• better communication presentation.
• a more satisfactory result through constant usability tests.
• putting more value through branding and better online marketing strategies.

As you can see, a plain developer's perspective would be simply to comply with what users want without tackling the values that the clients really want. When you learn the essence of Usability and User Experience, you are gearing towards a much higher rank that is more of managing project success. The path is indeed difficult but the results are worth it.

Work + Kaskade

I noticed lately that house music is beginning to sound like bossa nova in my ears. You know that kind of music wherein while working, you don't get disturbed by the varying high pitches of the vocals. Something that won't keep you busy with the playlist and looking for music to queue. And that's what I like about bossa nova. It's cool, relaxing, and just soothing to the ears. But as you play a lot of bossa nova, you feel a somewhat soporific effect due to its slow tempo.

The New Bossa
When I got the latest album from Kaskade, I played it over and over again, and it is when I realize its effect on me while I'm working. It gives you a euphoric feeling that just drives you all night and because it has an upbeat sound, you just can't get bored of it listening to it. And i think it's not just a great late-night listening material but also a nice companion while you drive.

The nice thing about Kaskade's music is that it has a mellower sound. It is very sexy but never cheesy. The vocals can make you mesmerize and the rhythms will leave you in a trance. So if you like having music while working, give Kaskade a try. If you love soft lounge music, you'll probably dig it.