Laid-off usability engineer, or why we don't get no respect

ABSTRACT

If you're a usability engineer, you probably know what it's like to wish for greater credibility and respect for your expertise and your contributions to a project. Maybe you've finally obtained it, after putting in your dues. Maybe you're still struggling with the attitudes of development, management, or marketing--who think they can provide the user perspective as well as you can. I'll bet you have some experience with being among the first to grow nervous about your job when money gets tight.<BR><BR>In this column, Jon Meads explores why usability engineers don't get no respect and suggests a few approaches we can take to do something about it. --- Elizabeth Buie

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: User-centered design

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.0 General

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors