Research notes

The following research notes are currently available. They are all in PDF format. You can get a free Acrobat reader from the Adobe Acrobat web site.

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)
In this note, Namahn offers practical advice on setting up a company-wide design guidelines project, or 'style guide'—based on numerous client projects.

Information Mapping (PDF, 95K, December 2001)
Information Mapping is a method to analyse, write and present information. It provides users with ways of scanning, skipping and retrieving information they need quickly and easily. Find out more about this method that has been around for more than 25 years.

Natural Language Processing for intranet searches (PDF, 55K, December 2001)
This research note examines how and if Natural Language Processing (NLP) should be used for searching on intranets (as opposed to using NLP for searching on Internet sites). It tries to determine if the cost of implementing NLP outweighs the benefits.

Using eye tracking for usability testing (PDF, 420K, November 2001)
This research note explores how and if eye tracking should be used for usability testing on intranets and Internet sites. It 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, on touch resolution, touch user interfaces etc.