Scott Berkun

This week in ux-clinic: novices vs. experts

This week in the ux-clinic discussion forum- Novices vs. experts:

What’s the best way to tackle a comprehensive redesign of an application when there is already a large user base familiar with its clumsy UI? How do we provide a better solution for new users without alienating existing users who are now comfortable with the quirks (flaws) of the existing system? and how do you go about convincing management that it’s a worthwhile exercise?

I’ve spent the past few months working on a 5 year old application used by extremely competent technical users. The user base continues to grow and at the same time new functionality and features are “bolted on”, typically through increasingly long lists of tool bar options. We know that new users struggle with the UI but it’s very low on management’s list of priorities.

What can be done?

– Novices vs. experts

• Posted Monday, February 13th, 2006 at 3:29 pm


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