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Boost your UX and IA skills

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For those of you that are working on Windows Phone 7+ and Windows 8 apps (or about to start), you’ll notice that there’s a new emphasis on design and user experience that hasn’t always been part of the typical Microsoft messaging. On these new platforms, we want to drive not just great applications, but also great experiences for the people that use them. User Experience (UX) is commonly used to refer to the overall experience of how we use and relate to applications, sites, traditional software etc.

It’s a misconception that it’s only a ‘design thing’. It’s actually for everyone who’s in any way involved in creating things (objects, software, apps) that other people are going to use. Why? Because the various elements of UX allow us to follow guidelines and best practices, coupled with science and art, that empower us to create better products than without it.

More on the business value and benefits later. For now, here’s some local events and training that can help you on your way;

February: World IA Day – Johannesburg

One day conference with local and international speakers covering the role of UX and IA through various sessions and case studies.

 

March: UX Master Class – Johannesburg

One day conference with local and international speakers covering role of UX and IA through various sessions and case studies.

 

Formal Certification & Training

Human Factors International is a global organisation that offers recognised certification and training and various aspects of usability design, research and practices, etc. across the world, incl. South Africa. You can see more of their offerings here: www.humanfactors.com

 

Look out for our post next week with online resources

 

Updated by Kath Roderick ^KR