Red Gate Poll Reveals Role Of Usability Engineers Critical To Future Of Software Development

Published 23rd August 2006

In a poll of 300 software buyers, carried out by Red Gate Software, the specialist in database development tools, ease of use came out on top as the number one priority for most buyers of software – highlighting the critical nature of Usability Engineers in software development.

The company’s SQL Bundle customers were asked why they would recommend Red Gate products, with an expectation that the majority would choose one of the first three options: time-saving, speed, or accuracy. Instead a conclusive 65% chose the fourth option – ease of use.

Red Gate Software designs simple SQL Server tools and the company philosophy has always focused on simplicity – its strap-line being “ingeniously simple tools.” This recent survey confirms that many software buyers rank simplicity above other criteria too.

For IT professionals getting up to speed, quickly and efficiently, with the latest software products and tools is the key to business continuity, time efficiency and cost effectiveness. Wading through a manuscript of user guides or waiting for complex training classes devours time and displaces staff from work situations.

The prospect of this leaves many organisations reluctant to try new software tools because of the effort involved in evaluating the different options and becoming familiar with a new product.

“Part of the problem is that packaged solutions often come with a wide range of features designed to serve disparate requirements and many vendors try to create a catchall product that is seen as better value than the competitors. Software that bundles extensive additional features or is designed to solve multiple problems will invariably suffer in the usability stakes and that’s why usability engineers have always been a focal point for us,” said Dominick Reed, Head of User Experience at Red Gate Software.

“Unfortunately, the marketplace for packaged software solutions is cluttered with vendors trying to sell Swiss Army knives when most buyers are looking for a hammer, but good usability engineers will allow better products to be produced without hindering quality. We will continue to strive for better testing, as we always do, but will be taking on more Usability Engineers to improve user friendliness even further,” added Reed.

The discipline of usability engineering has been an object of study and learning ever since computer technology emerged as a viable industry. Developers, testers and users are now recognising the increasing importance of usability as a significant driver of developing good software tools and customer satisfaction rates.

For more details about the company please log on to www.red-gate.com






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