I LOVE MY JOB.

[sarren]

One of the senior people gave me an outline of a spec they'd done for a new database, and asked me to finish it.

Just to clarify - I will be responsible for writing the specifications for a new government database.

::waits for you all to stop laughing::

So this afternoon I was researching how to actually do this thing, which according to this site puts me in a very tiny minority of 'highly literate' people who actually read user manuals. *smothers a laugh* I love this guy, he makes writing specifications actually sound like something I can do.

One good way to evaluate the usability of a program or dialog you've never seen before is to act a little stupid. Don't read the words on the dialog. Make random assumptions about what things do without verifying. Try to use the mouse with just one finger. Make lots of mistakes, and generally thrash around. See if the program does what you want, or at least, gently guides you instead of blowing up. Be impatient. If you can't do what you want right away, give up. If the UI can't withstand your acting generally immature and stupid, it could use some work.*

Brilliant!


*from 'Joel on Software'

Comments

[strangedave.livejournal.com]

A good document on user interface design is the one at Joel on Software (http://www.joelonsoftware.com/uibook/chapters/fog0000000057.html), though it says it is designed for programmers it doesn't seem to involve any actual programming knowledge. Of course, user interface design isn't the same as database design, but they are pretty closely related.

Feel free to ask me questions about databases.

[sarren.livejournal.com]

That's what I was quoting from! *sheepishly goes to credit*

And thank you! I think we both know I will probably take you up on your offer.

[mr-booboo.livejournal.com]

LOL! Right, send me the link now. I need to read more gems like that.

Hey, and fantastic responsibility. Everyone's job is so much more interesting than mine. I should get a new job.

[sarren.livejournal.com]

Yes, but you get paid significantly more than me, I deserve all the little perks like a huge office and no supervision and free movie tickets.