Easy technology: UOW hosts World Usability Day

Oct 25, 2005

Have you ever asked the question ‘why doesn't this work better?’ or ‘why can't they make this easier?’.

These questions and many more regarding ever-changing technology and the benefits of usability engineering will be answered this week (Thursday 3 November) when the University of Wollongong’s School of Economic and Information Systems hosts a World Usability Day ‘Open House’ to demonstrate the facilities of its Activity Theory Usability Laboratory (ATUL).

It will be one of many worldwide events planned in more than 70 cities in 35 countries, starting with a breakfast in New Zealand and ending at around 10pm on the west coast of the United States. The focus of the event is to make technology easy.

“ATUL is both a facility and a group of experts that takes a holistic approach to the practical yet complex activities that are supported by the use of changing information and communications technologies,” said event organiser Dr Helen Hasan.

“The services offered by ATUL promote a better understanding about the use of technology. The lab provides technological tools and personal knowledge to help business and communities reach their goals.”

World Usability Day at UOW will allow the campus and community to participate in guided tours of the ATUL and view ongoing demonstrations which aim to answer a number of questions about the usability of websites, software and e-commerce applications.

“Everyone knows how useful computer systems are and yet how often we get frustrated when they get in the way of what we want to do,” said Dr Hasan. “By focussing on what users want to achieve when using an application, our methods of usability evaluation determine the users needs and record how these pan out.”

The ATUL Open Day will also provide information on the usability of dynamic systems modelling, collective learning modules and research tools for academia and industry.

Highlights will include a visit from the owner/creator of Zing Technology to demonstrate a computer-based groupware tool, demonstrations of Go*Team – a computer-based team strategy simulation tool developed for the military and demonstrations of how to engage in dynamic systems modelling with the application Stella.

When: Thursday 3 November, 10am-3pm

Where: Building 117 on Northfields Avenue (next to Wollongong University Postgraduate Association bldg)

Cost: The event is FREE of charge and members of the public are encouraged to attend

For further information: contact Dr Helen Hasan on 4221 3757 or Mr Craig Peden on 4221 5407 or visit ATUL

**Media Please note: Photo/filming/interview opportunities will be available between 12-1pm.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128