How to Test User ExperienceCreating a memorable user experience should not be left solely to the design team. Parimala Hariprasad explains how software testers can use a variety of tests to determine whether a product or service is on track for greatness or is doomed to be put on the back burner by its users.
Instagram Changes Brand Guidelines to Discourage App CopycatsInstagram updated its brand guidelines this week to forbid other apps that connect to the service not only from featuring its logo or any design that “copies the look and feel” of the brand, but also from using either “Insta” or “Gram” in their names. Smart business move or petty jab at developers?
Can Gamification Help Make eLearning Fun?eLearning is an efficient and cost-effective way to learn new skills, train your staff, and reinforce traditional classroom-based instruction. For all of its advantages, however, eLearning has a reputation of being boring, not engaging, and more of a chore than a privilege. Can gamification help?
Why You Need to Take Technical Debt into AccountTechnical debt is a metaphor for the result of skipping design or the implementation steps in order to achieve a short-term goal. The next time you work with code, remember that changes may be more costly to make because of your prior decisions. You achieved something, but you incurred debt.
Autonomous Underwater Robots Track Sharks Like Never BeforeResearchers have created shark-tracking robots that can gather information about the predators and their environments better than humans can. The robot gets close enough to sharks to monitor them but stays far enough away to remain undetected, so the sharks’ typical routine is never interrupted.
Is a Mobile Site Enough for Your Business or Should You Have an App?It’s worth the time and cost to design a mobile site for your customers' convenience. But is it worth it to go one step further—to create an app? Apps require more investment and new marketing channels, but they could bring in new customers or help you manage the ones you have. Let's consider.
Why Do Some People Have Better Ideas Than Others Do?It is evident that every idea cannot turn into a blockbuster like Post-it notes or iPods, but it is fascinating that idea generation in organizations never follows a predictable trajectory. Not everyone in an organization is good at coming up with ideas. Why is that?
Government Seeks Researchers to Develop Superconductor ComputersComputers for US government intelligence agencies have hit such extensive performance requirements that power and cooling demands are becoming unmanageable. The solution? Put out a call for researchers who can help develop a new generation of fast, energy-efficient superconducting computers.
