Certified Usability Analyst

HFI-Certified Usability Analysts have a clear understanding of research-based principles of designing interfaces from the perspective of the end user. They perform data gathering, task analysis, and usability testing. They pinpoint the usability problems and offer design solutions. The usability analyst brings the critical success factor to bear throughout the development life cycle. That is, designing for the user.

I passed the certification exam. The ideas and concepts learned over the past months provide a foundation for the product development and design work I hope to accomplish in the future.

Getting Beat

Last week I felt the onset of illness, yet again. Halfway through the week I felt the same symtpoms as a month-and-a-half ago. When I returned to the clinic, the same doctor that prescribed me antibiotics last time said I probably just have a virus and the best thing to do was rest and drink plenty of fluids. I am not sure what exactly is wrong, but the uncontrollable coughing annoys me to no end. Unfortunately, I still needed to show up at work because a new design launched. Thankfully, my boss' boss allowed me to work from home on Friday. I got a ton of rest this weekend and feel better, but the coughing remains. I really hope it goes away. Otherwise, I am not sure what to do. I tried to see a specialist a year ago for a similar issue, but he was no help.

Stab in the Dark

Not sure where to start with the whole wedding stuff, so I started up a few Google Docs: list of questions, guest list, and schedule.

The list of questions includes items like, don't forget to get gifts for people in the wedding party. So I guess it's more of a "don't forget" list. A friend forgot to put stamps on RSVP envelopes before stuffing; her fiancé used tweezers to stuff stamps in through a small opening. I just added that to the list. When my sister flew from Boston (where she lived) to Los Angeles for the wedding, she arrived to the Boston airport wondering what she forgot. "Wedding dress!?!" She placed it on the back of the bedroom door for the very reason that she would not forget it, too. Not sure what else I will put on this document, but it's really a catch-all.

The initial guest list is not as overwhelming as I thought. But Kathleen may not have added everyone that she needs. My brother recommends that I clear the list with my parents since they may have input; but I pointed out that we've already had his and my sister's wedding, so everyone should already be covered. :D My brother's wedding had the most extended family and friends; people we had not seen since leaving Cerritos in 1985 (his wedding was in 1998). My sister's wedding concentrated on her friends that she kept in contact with... basically anyone she had been friends with since she was 5 years old.

The schedule is mostly blank. I filled up sheets with contact information (one for the wedding party, one for vendors) and skeleton plans (times and addresses for rehearsal and the day of the wedding).

I'm not sure what else I can do right now. Nail down a date, perhaps?

Training

Last week I attended classes for design and research. I need to review and put these classes into motion as I am taking a certification test at the end of May. While the web is the best asset for finding resources and tips; taking the classes makes me focus my attention on what is important.