Research notes

The following research notes are currently available as .pdf files.

If you have comments on any of these research notes, please send them in to research@namahn.com.

Mobile Solutions (PDF, 323K, January 2006)
A study of the actual environment and context in which mobile solutions are likely to be used, from a user-centered perspective. The needs of field workers are specifically considered, as this group drives early adoption of innovative solutions.

Design Guidelines (PDF, 266K, January 2006)
Ppractical advice on setting up a company-wide design guidelines project, or 'style guide'—based on numerous client projects.

Information Mapping (PDF, 95K, December 2001)
Overview of one approach to analysing, writing and presenting information that provides users with ways of scanning, skipping and retrieving information they need quickly and easily. Mentions Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) and Stuctured Writing as alternatives.

Natural Language Processing for intranet searches (PDF, 55K, December 2001)
Whether or not Natural Language Processing (NLP) should be used for searching on intranets, as distinct from searching on Internet sites. This note tries to determine if the cost of implementing NLP outweighs the benefits.

Using eye tracking for usability testing (PDF, 420K, November 2001)
Whether or not eye tracking should be used for usability testing on intranets and Internet sites, and how to use it correctly. This note provides insight in the eye-tracking technology, lists benefits and constraints of eye tracking in usability testing, and includes different study results.

Touch screens (PDF, 40K, March 2000)
A short briefing on the advantages and disadvantages of touch screens,  touch resolution, touch user interfaces etc.