Module 8: Culture, Language, and International Aspects of Usability
Readings for Module 8/Week 8 of Class
Required Readings
Reading 1: International Usability Testing
This entry from the Nielsen/Norman Group overviews reasons for international and intercultural usability testing. The author summarizes usability-related issues to consider when doing such testing and how to engage in such activities (e.g., where to test, how many persons to test, etc.). As such, this entry provides a foundation for conducting international and intercultural usability and design work and offers insights into how to do such work.
Reading 2: The Complexities of International Usability Testing
This entry from the website for the company UserZoom expands upon several ideas noted in the first reading for this week. It does so by providing details on international usability testing related to recruitment and language issues to consider when engaging in such activities. The entry presents a more nuanced understanding of the items to consider when planning projects involving users from different nations, cultures, and language groups.
Reading 3: The Hidden Costs of International Usability Testing
As with any project, there are costs associated with performing different activities. Researching international and intercultural audiences is no different. Individuals considering usability and design activities in international and intercultural contexts need to consider such cost factors when planning projects. This entry, from the website for Usability 24/7, describes some of the more common cost factors to consider when planning such testing. As you read this entry, consider how the factors described in this entry elaborate ideas covered in the earlier readings for this week.
Reading 4: Expect the Unexpected: Tips for Conducting Global Research
As with any usability-related project, research is key to success. Conducting research in international or intercultural settings, however, can involve different factors than one might expect. The more one can understand such dynamics, the more effectively s/he can engage in international and intercultural usability research. This article, from the online magazine User Experience Magazine, identifies these factors and examines how they can affect usability-related research in such contexts. As you read the article, consider how it provides information that expands upon ideas covered in the other readings for this week.
Reading 5: Global Design Teams: Managing Distributed Teams Effectively
Increasingly, international usability projects are undertaken by teams comprised of members in different nations. Known as "distributed teams," such groups are considered a way to tap national and cultural markets while also drawing from a broad range of experiences. As such, individuals engaged in usability for such projects could find themselves working in -- or managing -- such teams. For this reason, it is important to understand the dynamics of such groups. This article from User Experience Magazine overviews what such teams are and offers suggestions for effectively managing them. In so doing, the article highlights aspects to consider when working in such teams.
Reading 1: International Usability Testing
This entry from the Nielsen/Norman Group overviews reasons for international and intercultural usability testing. The author summarizes usability-related issues to consider when doing such testing and how to engage in such activities (e.g., where to test, how many persons to test, etc.). As such, this entry provides a foundation for conducting international and intercultural usability and design work and offers insights into how to do such work.
Reading 2: The Complexities of International Usability Testing
This entry from the website for the company UserZoom expands upon several ideas noted in the first reading for this week. It does so by providing details on international usability testing related to recruitment and language issues to consider when engaging in such activities. The entry presents a more nuanced understanding of the items to consider when planning projects involving users from different nations, cultures, and language groups.
Reading 3: The Hidden Costs of International Usability Testing
As with any project, there are costs associated with performing different activities. Researching international and intercultural audiences is no different. Individuals considering usability and design activities in international and intercultural contexts need to consider such cost factors when planning projects. This entry, from the website for Usability 24/7, describes some of the more common cost factors to consider when planning such testing. As you read this entry, consider how the factors described in this entry elaborate ideas covered in the earlier readings for this week.
Reading 4: Expect the Unexpected: Tips for Conducting Global Research
As with any usability-related project, research is key to success. Conducting research in international or intercultural settings, however, can involve different factors than one might expect. The more one can understand such dynamics, the more effectively s/he can engage in international and intercultural usability research. This article, from the online magazine User Experience Magazine, identifies these factors and examines how they can affect usability-related research in such contexts. As you read the article, consider how it provides information that expands upon ideas covered in the other readings for this week.
Reading 5: Global Design Teams: Managing Distributed Teams Effectively
Increasingly, international usability projects are undertaken by teams comprised of members in different nations. Known as "distributed teams," such groups are considered a way to tap national and cultural markets while also drawing from a broad range of experiences. As such, individuals engaged in usability for such projects could find themselves working in -- or managing -- such teams. For this reason, it is important to understand the dynamics of such groups. This article from User Experience Magazine overviews what such teams are and offers suggestions for effectively managing them. In so doing, the article highlights aspects to consider when working in such teams.
Other Module 8/Week 8 Materials
To access other materials for Module 8/Week 8, click on the related link below