  This article was originally printed in the August 2003 issue (Vol 10, No. 1)
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STC Usability SIG Newsletter |
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| Usability Interface |
Results of the Usability SIG Member Survey
by David Dick
The first Usability SIG survey was conducted in 1996. I thought that 2003 was an ideal opportunity to survey our members again. Due to cost constraints, the survey was only available for 30 days. Of the 1600 members, 85 responded to the survey. That might be considered a low response, but statistics show that a response rate of over 5% is considered good.
Yes, we read every reply. The Usability SIG team reviewed the results and have a strategy to make improvements.
The following are samples of the responses received.
What You Said You Like about the Newsletter
Many stated that we are doing a good job, and we appreciate the praise. The survey provided us sufficient feedback to understand how we can improve quality.
Topics You’d Like to See Published
We received 44 different suggestions for topics that you’d like to see published. However, they can only be published with your help.
If you have other ideas for topics or if you are not sure about what to submit and how, please contact me.We are accepting original articles and case studies, anecdotes, cartoons, and book reviews on the following topics for the January 2004 issue:
- How to identify a bad GUI design
- Usability testing and EPSS
- Usability for online help
- Case studies on applying usability techniques (and creative solutions to problems).
Submission deadline is 30 November. Send your articles to david.dick@swift.com.
How You Would Like to See the Newsletter Published
The majority of responses indicated a preference for a hardcopy of the newsletter, some people had delivery problems (i.e. non-receipt of the newsletter), some people offered suggestions for electronic delivery.
How the Web Site is Useful to You
Many people replied that they like the archive of information, bookshelf, tool kit, reference material, and focus on technical communication. Overall, the web site is a useful learning tool for beginners and experienced usability advocates.
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