Devices and Desires: As Humans How Do We Experience Software?

We consume and still we desire more. More devices, more apps, more data, more bandwidth, more connectivity. The more we have, the more we want …. We assume that to be true – those of us who work in the software industry. But is that true? To understand what is really required of our products, we need to design and test a pyramid of interlocking quality attributes, that build together to make an optimum experience for the people who use our products, matching their needs, and their desires. It is not enough to test functional suitability, performance, and reliability. People also require usability, accessibility, and safety. These profoundly affect the user experience (UX) which also considers trust, flow, and excitement. To test the UX, and so deliver a good experience for people, we first need to understand them. Isabel discusses why and how we can test and deliver better UX. She will look at the pressures from the business and government environment, the commercial imperatives, and the needs of society, along with the needs of the individual software user.