Open AccessA conversation with eric reiss, author of usable usability: Simple steps for making stuff better
Author(s) -
Haller Thom
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
bulletin of the american society for information science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8366
pISSN - 0095-4403
DOI - 10.1002/bult.2012.1720390109
Subject(s) - usability , clarity , conversation , usable , simple (philosophy) , elegance , computer science , function (biology) , world wide web , human–computer interaction , sociology , epistemology , communication , philosophy , chemistry , biochemistry , evolutionary biology , biology
EDITOR'S SUMMARY In an interview with the author, Eric Reiss discusses his contributions to information architecture, including his recent book, which explores usability from two angles. He breaks down the topic into “ease of use,” focusing on physical interaction, and “elegance and clarity,” addressing psychological aspects, each with five simple subtopics. The analysis lends itself to client presentations and to teaching students. Reiss prompts all to look at how well any product functions and at any website to consider its success on aspects including function, ergonomics, convenience, logic and predictability. Contemplating the foundations of his work, he traces his interest in usability back to redesigning a rocking horse as a three‐year‐old.