Unusable podcast (UX & usability)

Sometimes you have to do things manually if automation fails Other things we talk about: Martin Lewis sues Facebook over scam adsPosh pasta instructionsAndroid's useless button Links mentioned: Facebook still claims it's not a publisher – but Martin Lewis's court action could be set to change thatUK journalist is suing Facebook for defamation over fake adsMartin Lewis Is Fired Up About Suing Facebook for Fake Ads Using His Image 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/033-not-always-a-technical-solution.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

Cars are transitioning rapidly from fossil fuels to being battery powered. In this rapidly growing market, UX has the power to differentiate products and accelerate adoption. Equally, bad design has the power to put people off switching to a greener alternative. In this episode Andrew interviews Wolfgang Bremer, Head of Design at Elli - an EV charging brand that's part of the Volkswagen Group. Other things we talk about: David picking a new toiletA doctor's surgery sending an unfortunate "Merry Christmas" text message Links mentioned: Wolfgang Bremer on TwitterThe Hot Bertaa Kettle by Philippe StarckBBC News - Doncaster surgery sends cancer text instead of festive message 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/032-ev-charging.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

We discuss the consequences of companies that stop supporting their products, Andrew has a fridge delivered and David introduces his "most infuriating website of the podcast". Other things we talk about: David takes signs way too literallyThings Killed By GoogleAds on file download sites Links mentioned: Their Bionic Eyes Are Now Obsolete and UnsupportedKilled by Google 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/031-unsupported-eyeballs.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

We talk about Jakob's Law, by usability advocate Jakob Neilson. Andrew tells a story about how he scammed an expensive car park. Other things we talk about: Separate audio channels on AndroidWeird headphone problems with Microsoft TeamsLearned expectations & progressive enhancementThe selectmenu HTML tag Links mentioned: Jakob’s Law of user experience: Don’t make users thinkGet running with Couch to 5KSay Hello to selectmenu, a Fully Style-able select Element 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/030-jakobs-law.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

Andy interviews prominent UXer and all-round nice-guy Doug Collins. Other things we talk about: David's scare in the middle of the nightPrinting out a fake ID Links mentioned: Doug Collins' Book - The UX Design Field BookThe Oatmeal - Printers Were Sent from Hell 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/029-doug-collins-interview.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

Is gamification evil? Apple laptop gripes. What is bullshitification? Other things we talk about: Facebook's endless newsfeed of infinite supriseAudi's virtual training programme game thingDavid spills beerApple's natural scrollingPressing delete on an iMac Links mentioned: Gamification — exploring the Octalysis FrameworkGamification is Manipulative. Is It Ethical?The Octalysis Framework for Gamification & Behavioral DesignSmack Agency Gamification Examples 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/028-gamification.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

We talk about record players with modern(ish) controls, & confusing cloud storage Other things we talk about: 1980s 'Stranger danger' advertsSanDisk's slotMusic & slotRadioChildren listening to Hitler speeches backwardsFacebook's confusing file browserEating megabytes Links mentioned: Forgotten memory? slotMusic & slotRadio|Techmoan 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/027-music.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

Andy angers IKEA, & we talk about wireframing & prototyping Other things we talk about: Website with an embedded app creates a phone-in-a-phoneRisky & annoying two-factor authenticationA restaurant ordering app with inappropriate optionsAndy's headphones do something weird Links mentioned: Wireframe vs Mockup vs Prototype: What is the Difference and Why Your App Needs it?How To Succeed In Wireframe 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/026-wireframing.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

Github Copilot is an exciting new tool to accellerate developer productivity. But has it been thought through? Could it be racist, and could it kill someone? Other things we talk about: Ordering a mattressHow long is 0.6 inches? 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/025-github-copilot.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

We talk about some common UX mistakes that people make on websites that we hope will go away. Other things we talk about: Treadmill touchscreens confuse an old manDentist form fiddling 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/024-common-ux-mistakes.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

We talk about the article 'Why I'm losing faith in UX' by Mark Hurst, tech ethics & horrible cancellation processes. And toilets. Other things we talk about: Andy gets a humorously ironic app notificationLogic puzzles at the gymBad cancellation processes (including Amazon Prime's)Mark Hurst's Tech ethicsToilet flush buttonsSmart motorway signage creating problems Links mentioned: Why I'm losing faith in UXNo, an exploitative product is not "great"A simple tech ethic 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/023-decline-of-ux.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

We talk about 'Product Led Growth' whilst getting drunk. Other things we talk about: Skype answering video calls unexpectedlyAndy's battery charger will definitely cause a housefireGoogle WaveWe get more drunk than the Drunken UX podcastAndrew's new printer 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/022.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

David asks Andrew what changes we should keep after the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown, & how some websites can be really slow on mobile. Other things we talk about: Giant inflatable penguinTV audiences at homeOne-way systems in shopsContactless paymentsLocal shops pivoting to stay profitable during the pandemic lockdownPerspex screens in shopsTheatre productions broadcasting online 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/021-lockdown-upsides.mp3 Music is by [Gold5472](https://gold5472.newgrounds.com/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)