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Unusable podcast (UX & usability)
Andrew Waite & David Ball
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Discussions about the importance of usability & UX in technology & the world around us.
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WTF is usability anyway?
15-07-2018
21 mins
WTF is usability anyway?
Andrew & David discuss what we mean by usability, user experience (UX), & talk about norman doors & the importance of an easy website checkout. The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/001-unusable-podcast-usability.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
15-07-2018
21 mins
Killed by bad usability
In this episode Andrew & David discuss when bad usability or UX has had horrible consequences, like misdiagnosis, accidents & radiation leak. Also Andy's annoying coffee machine & David's useless microwave. Here's the link to the episode: 002-unusable-podcast-killed-by-bad-usability.mp3 Links to things we talked about: https://medium.com/tragic-design/how-bad-ux-killed-jenny-ef915419879e https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-examples-of-bad-design-that-killed-someone Music is by Gold5472 The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/002-unusable-podcast-killed-by-bad-usability.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
22-07-2018
51 mins
Unusable measurements
In this episode Andrew & David discuss units of measurements (including time & length) and how unnecessarily complicated they are. Also there's a brief discussion about how babies should be measured, David talks about how showers should work, and Andy talks about touchscreen drinks dispensers. Links to things mentioned: A shower with only a "stop" button, but no "start" The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/003-unusable-measurements.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
01-09-2018
49 mins
Road signs are confusing
In this episode of the Unusable Podcast, Andrew & David discuss road signs and instructions that are confusing, and cause more problems than they solve. They also discuss: Should roadsigns be replaced by emojis?Andy’s bad experience ordering at KFC using a touchscreenNone pizza with left beefThe complications of imperial vs metric (again)A terrible conversation with a Tomtom Links mentioned: Young drivers understand emoji roadsigns betterAndy can't get cornNone pizza with left beefPhotos of our own pizza on TwitterPhotos of the "stay in lane now" sign on Twitter The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/004-road-signs-are-confusing.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
23-09-2018
52 mins
History of computer graphical interfaces & the future of natural UI
In this episode of the Unusable Podcast, Andrew & David talk about the history of computer user interfaces and early computers, where UI is heading in the future with natural interfaces, and Andy has a frustrating experience with a parking machine. Other things we discussed: The BombeWhy keyboards are QUERTYAmiga Workbench GUIThe difficulty of having 2 Google Homes in the same roomNot all voice interface is natural UIMercedes' voice control joke Links mentioned: The BombeNatural User Interfaces – What are they and how do you design user interfaces that feel natural?Photos of the Xerox Alto computer with a portrait screenPhotos of the Amiga workbench GUIA Short History of Computer User Interface Design The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/005-graphical-user-interface-history.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
01-11-2018
57 mins
Getting tricked online by UI dark patterns
In this episode of the Unusable Podcast, Andrew & David discuss "dark patterns" which are tricks that get customers to buy more in websites & apps. We talk about actual examples & get distracted on Wish.com by all the cheap tat from China. Other things we discussed: Ryanair insurance deceptionGDPR banner buttonsAdvert banners that try to trick youThe cheap tat on Wish.comDodgy sales tacticsXbox One updatesTV with progress bar Links mentioned: Dark Patterns some examples to watch out for (YouTube video)5 Naughty Conversion ‘Dark Patterns’ to Avoid in 2018 (+ What To Do Instead!)Wish.com The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/006-dark-patterns.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
22-11-2018
42 mins
Do cultural differences affect usability?
Cultures differ around the world - does that mean user interfaces should differ too? We talk about how companies have failed to reach international audiences & some funny cultural blunders! Other things we talk about: Right-to-left language translationEbay’s inconsistent user interfaceBad product name translation failsUsing chip & pin and contactless payments in AmericaAndy reviews the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i, & the Sony WH-1000XM3Physical shops are failing at the single advantage they have over online shops Articles we mentioned: International Usability Testing - https://www.nngroup.com/articles/international-usability-testing/ Products we talked about: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Noise cancelling headphones https://amzn.to/2QX6EJNSony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones https://amzn.to/2Qx21H0Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones https://amzn.to/2PE1IVL The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/007-cultural-differences.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
16-12-2018
38 mins
Design Crimes From 2018
Bad design from 2018, plus other usability problems, dark patterns, how a computer forced David into an encounter with a naked man & the origins of the PlayStation buttons. Other things we talk about: DonglesBad usability prevents Americans from votingHow the hamburger menu is horribleA urinal gameA building that injures peopleA terrible robot shop assistantA computer forces David into an encounter with a naked manThe origins of the PlayStation buttonsInclusive design Links mentioned: The worst design crimes of 2018)T-Mobile Slapped With A $40 Million Fine For Its Deceptive Design)Banish the Hamburger Menu, Adopt Pizza Menus The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/008-design-crimes-from-2018.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
11-01-2019
49 mins
Designing for failure
David & Andrew discuss the importance of designing for failure & making sure the problem is communicated to the user. Other things we talk about: The chaos monkeyChrome's dinosaur game, service workers, BSOD & Twitter's "fail whale"Creating the best error messageFacebook's annoying "chat heads"Andy's hotel TV "nightmare"Sky TV & YouView's interfaces Links mentioned: https://twitter.com/DougCollinsUX/status/1083127107373449217https://netflix.github.io/chaosmonkey/https://uxplanet.org/how-to-write-a-perfect-error-message-da1ca65a8f36https://blog.usejournal.com/design-states-weve-been-totally-forgetting-79fcf22c88a3Understanding website performance The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/009-designing-for-failure.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
08-03-2019
44 mins
Accessibility benefits everyone
We discuss using technology with different types of disabilities, what the term "accessibility" really means, and how designing for accessibility benefits everyone. Other things we talk about: Accessibility as an afterthought vs Inclusive designScreenreaders & how blind people use the internetFunkify disability simulatorSilktide's screen reader simulatorVoice UI for to provide accessibility options, including for the elderly & in the showerAndrew's bank nightmare Links mentioned: Funkify disability simulatorSilktide's screen reader simulatorBlind girl hacks - Alisha's GuideHow many people in the UK have sight loss?Jane Hu's tweet The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/010-a11y-benefits-everyone.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
09-04-2019
57 mins
Self-checkouts & online shopping
We discuss the Queen going shopping & being shown how self-checkouts work, & we discuss their advantages & annoyances. Also Andy has a story about a lame practical joke on a teacher using his Tesco club card. Apologies for the terrible German at the beginning! Other things we talk about: Online grocery shoppingAmazon's AI-powered grocery storeAndy's lame practical joke on a teacher using a Tesco club cardAndy's "Freezer beige"Self-checkout celebrity voicesReasons why people don't like self-checkoutsUX trends for shopping websites in 2019Andy meets a man named Martin in some old-fashioned bank Links mentioned: 'You can't cheat?' asks Queen at check-outWhat is Amazon Go, where is it, and how does it work?Six ecommerce UX trends for 20192019 Trends in UX for Ecommerce Websites2019 UX Trends for eCommerce The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/011-self-checkouts-online-shopping.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
08-06-2019
44 mins
Sound design in UX
David and Andrew look at the role of sound in usability. From deliberately loud vacuum cleaners to the crunch of a Pringle, sound is an important but often forgotten aspect of user experience. Also, David almost gets punched, and Andrew bum-shuffles on a water slide like a dog with worms. Other things we talk about: Alarms in hospitalsSound branding of Japanese train stationsUnique sounds in technologyFaked sounds in carsJingles that are ear-wormsAuto-playing music on websitesDavid comments on the usability of a self-checkout and almost gets punchedAndy bum-shuffles on a water slide Links mentioned: The Fake Sounds Companies Add To Products - Cheddar Explains99 percent invisible episode - Sound in hospitals99 percent invisible episode - Sound in citiesThe meat website that used to have an amazing auto-playing jingle The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/012-sound-design-ux.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
14-07-2019
51 mins
UX writing & microcopy
David and Andrew talk about UX writing and try to answer why it's different to copywriting, and what microcopy is. They also discuss annoying browser notifications, a more sensible way for asking to set cookies, and why opening a japanese soda is difficult. Other things we talk about: GeocitiesWhat Is Copywriting?What Is Microcopy?Notification Permission Prompt Spam in web browsersUser Inyerface - a painful game of bad UX designTranslation on websites Links mentioned: What Is Copywriting and What Is Its Purpose?What is UX Writing?What Is Microcopy? And How To Do It Like A Boss - By Maria De La RivaReducing Notification Permission Prompt Spam in Firefox16 Rules of Effective UX Writing - by Nick BabichCut Homeless People In Half by 2025Don't kill your wife with work posterUser InyerfaceOur video playing User Inyerface The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/013-ux-writing-microcopy.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
09-09-2019
53 mins
The internet is terrible now!
Andrew & David discuss what makes the internet terrible now, like slow websites, browser inconsistencies, monopolisation & people. Other things we talk about: Are URLs are too confusing for some people?Average size of a webpage (compared to Sonic the hedgehog)sAndy's old crap Acorn computers are more efficient than todaysFlash was fun but websites are more usable without itParking machine appCrap digital school attendance registerHospital alarm fatigue & Andy's favourite song is ruinedConstant flood updates Links mentioned: The Spirit Of The InternetBrowser engine diversityThe Revenge of the IE Box Model?False Alarms & Alert Fatigue: The Tragic Design of Hospital Alerts The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/014-internet-is-terrible-now.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
19-11-2019
50 mins
Security is pointless
Security is a hugely important topic. David and Andrew share their look on what makes for good and bad security, talk about their own experiences in building web apps, and come to the realisation none of it matters anyway. Other things we talk about: Bad actors - apparently it's a security term2 factor authenticationKanye West's iPhone passwordWifi-enabled locks & voice recognitionHacking smart speakers with a laser beamBiometricsLogging in on a TVDavid's security camera spotted Santa!Nicolas Cage could steal Andrew's daughterAndrew annoys a coffee companyA bad shopping experience Links mentioned: How good UX leads to great securityPassword guru regrets past adviceMan hacks wireless baby monitor, makes vulgar threats to family The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/015-security-is-pointless.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
19-01-2020
58 mins
Drinking Whisky & Working From Home
Being forced to work from home due to coronavirus, Andrew & David discuss video chatting using Zoom & Skype, & then the rigmarole of getting things delivered. It gets a bit silly towards the end, because Andrew has been drinking whisky. Other things we talk about: Asynchronous communicationJournaling on SlackPrivacy flaws with ZoomGoogle Nest's camera outageUnnatural delay on Hermes' chat-botComixology only has US vouchers Links mentioned: Nest camera outageResources for working from homeOur shopOur Patreon The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/016-working-from-home.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
11-04-2020
50 mins
Planned obsolescence
David & Andrew discuss planned obsolescence, the practice of designing products to need replacing sooner to net the manufacturer more money. Is it a devious plot to get us all to spend more & pollute the environment, or just technology progressing? In our Bad Usability Nightmare, Andrew collects meat from a pub car park. Other things we talk about: 100 year old lightbulb - the "Centennial Light"HP ink cartridges not working after timeTV upgrades, & the pointlessness of 8K Links mentioned: Sonos speaker update sparks angerBoring Wikipedia definition of Planned ObsolescenceThe Phoebus cartelOur shopOur Patreon The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/017-planned-obsolescence.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
17-05-2020
41 mins
How UX affects SEO
How does UX influence SEO? In this episode of The Unusable Podcast, we discuss how Google takes into account loading speed, mobile optimisation and other factors when deciding what to show first. Other things we talk about: ASCII art pornDavid's new kettle isn't an improvementApple disregards what we all know about AA batteriesAndrew fails to use Duck Duck Go & Bing Links mentioned: Google LighthouseGoogle PageSpeed insightsGoogle Core Web Vitals reportOur shop The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/018-ux-affects-seo.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
21-06-2020
31 mins
Hick's Law
What is Hick's Law? In this episode we discuss static website generators, & keeping things simple. Other things we talk about: WizardsMartial artsA rigmarole logging into the student loans websiteAnnoying Britbox app issues Links mentioned: Pressing a button to expose yourself on the toilet The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/019-hicks-law.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
10-10-2020
43 mins
Occams Razor
What is Occam's razor? In this episode we discuss simple solutions often being the best. Other things we talk about: Dieter RamsKISSProgrammers predicting & abstractingAndy is "thinly spread"Leaky toilets with a drop valve systemSimplicity of the iPhone, compared to older phonesCamera shutters on old phonesHenry hoover"With greater functionality comes greater complexity", quote by Spiderman Links mentioned: The water-saving device wasting billions of litres every weekLaws of UX The Unusable podcast is presented by Andrew Waite & David Ball, who discuss the importance of user experience (UX) in technology & the world around us, & talk about great design that just works - or moan about it when it doesn't. Here's the link to the episode: https://podcast.theunusable.com/podcasts/020-occams-razor.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)
28-11-2020
47 mins
