Andrew Davidson

In class last week (I think it was just Section A on Monday), we were talking about A/B testing of web sites. Here is the WIRED article I mentioned about it: The A/B Test: Inside the Technology That’s Changing the Rules of Business. It’s a fascinating look at the history and use of the technology.

One thing I find troubling about it is that the downside is what the writer calls “incrementalism,” only making minor changes to a design and never risking a massive redesign.

And just the other day, I ran across this observation about the technique on Twitter:

Benjamin Pollack ‏@bitquabit: Just saw a beggar A/B testing. He had a collection of signs, asking those who gave what about the sign they liked, and added it to the next.

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This recent clipping, from the Jan 11, 2013 issue of the Seattle Times, mentions that Sound Transit has hired Anthro-Tech, an Olympia-based UCD consulting firm, to do usability studies on their ticketing and signage systems.

Anthro-Tech is headed by HCDE alumna and affiliate professor Suzanne Boyd.

The article also illustrates some of the challenges in convincing management of the importance and value of usability and user-centered design work.

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew about a program that UW Security offers to all students for night safety. It’s called Husky NightWalk.

Husky NightWalk provides uniformed safety guards to walk with you to increase your personal safety on and around campus. The service is available to the University community 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. seven days a week, excluding University holidays. Please contact the UW Police Department’s Husky NightWalk Service at (206) 685-WALK (9255) for more information, or to schedule an escort.