UX is not synonymous with UI!
Keep this in mind whenever you see an ad for “UX/UI.” That slash is utterly misleading. Instead, it should read, “UX with a focus on the UI design.” That’s an honest ad. Otherwise, it’s a wide net cast for whatever shows up.
Erik has written a great article on why UX and UI aren’t synonyms. Read it. Learn it. Live it.
This morning, ABC ran a story on its Good Morning America show that illustrates the conflict between business and user goals. Apparently dairies are moving intosquarish milk cartons. In effect, to save money and efficiency, rectangular gallon containers are better for business…but not for users.
The awkward top-heavy nature of the container causes people to spill milk and have an unwieldy experience. The manufacturers say, “Oh, it’s easy: Just rest the bottom of the container on a surface and tilt the milk.” In addition, some stores are holding classes in how to pour milk.
Yes, that’s right: Classes in how to pour milk.
Yet another example of business and technology ganging up on the user.
My friend Lyndsay posted a nice little case study of a firend doing some user research on the sly. Sad that people have to do this, but it is nice that UXers are sometimes stepping out of their comfort zones to take this on.
I first heard the term “guerilla ethnography” from Jess McMullin of nForm. He’s got a nice blog post talking about riding the bus to observe users. One of the things i’ve been pushing lately is that UX folks have to start being more creative about finding users to observe, interview, overhear, and watch.
