My husband is a product manager/analyst in the healthcare industry (although he is currently "between opportunities")and so he sends me things he comes across about usability and user experience.

This article Bedside Manner and Hardware Choices is a fascinating look at what patients want when they are with their doctor and the doc is using a computer to communicate with them about something.

The context of use is a critical factor when assessing audience tasks and goals. A surprising finding in this study was that patients want to see the same screen their doctor does more than they want to maintain eye contact with the doctor.

The Obama Administration has made development and use of electronic medical records (EHR) a high priority for healthcare reform. Although the government has not yet issued its guidelines for electronic medical records (at least what they will pay for), let's hope that the usability of any EHR for both patients and health care practitioners is a keystone of these guidelines.

The Usability and User Experience Community has been named a Community of Excellence by the Society for Technical Communication. According to the committee, the award is given "For "practicing what you preach" -- implementing a user-centered approach to determining and meeting member needs."

Committee member Mary Wise said, "The committee was most impressed by how the SIG leaders have reorganized and revitalized the SIG. Your user-centered approach will ensure that members are able to voice their desires and receive the services that they need and want."

Hurrah for us!

I am so ready for Spring! Up here in the glorious Northwest, Winter lingered into April in Seattle. At our cabin in the Cascade Mountains, it snowed yesterday, April 13! Thank goodness I am going to Atlanta for Summit 2009, where the sun will shine and the weather will be warm.

I know it is a rough year to get funding for conference attendance; I am going with support from you, the UUX members. But in some ways, this is the most important time to get together. We need to support each other through these rough months.

Here are some activities Usability and User Experience is sponsoring or taking part in that you want to be sure to check out. Just click the image to open a full-size image.

Monday, May 4, 7:30 am: UUX business meeting. Breakfast is provided.

Monday, May 4, UUX Networking luncheon. For a ticket, sign-up for the luncheon when you register and pay the $35 fee. You may also be able to buy a luncheon ticket on-site.

Monday, May 4, Community Reception 6 pm

Below are the days and times of several sessions of interest to those of us doing usability and user experience. Of course, none of you want to miss the UUX Progression to learn great methods of testing documentation usability.

Labels: conference, educational, UUX business

The seminar is presented by a European company, but in this day and age, that is irrelevant. Check it out.

http://sclipo.com/webclasses/view/d071ff895ac617c63c920e055c67b535

Labels: educational, Web seminars