How to promote usability in an organisation

If no usability or user centred design methods are currently being used in the organisation:

1. Assess and list the potential costs and benefits.
2. Relate the benefits to the business/organisational objectives.
3. Consider what concrete differences UCD could make to the system. Find good and bad examples of similar systems, and show these to the decision-makers.
4. Cite big names or similar organisations to yours that already use UCD.
5. If at all possible get involved at the feasibility or requirements stage. If this is not possible, use the benefits of later involvement to justify earlier involvement next time.
6. IAI may be a useful case study.

If your organisation already has some experience of usability testing:

1. Assess and list the potential costs and benefits of earlier involvement at the feasibility or requirements stage.
2. Consider how you can contribute not just to the ease of use of the interface but to customising the design and functionality to meet business and customer needs. Relate the benefits of usability to the business/organisational objectives.
3. Cite big names or similar organisations to yours that already use UCD.
4. Inland Revenue may be a useful case study.

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