Usability in the Development of Consumer Electronics: Issues and Actors

The goal of this study is to identify issues and actors with a relation to usability in the product development of consumer electronics. Literature regarding the practice of usability has been analysed for issues and actors in product development that are thought to influence usability. In addition four usability professionals in consumer electronics (in different positions and companies) were interviewed. The results touch upon a broad spectrum of topics, such as development process architecture, company culture, organisation of the usability department, management issues, methods available to the usability department, and attitude, background and experience of the actors in the product development process. The broad range of issues justifies an integrated approach towards the research of usability in practice, including more than just the ‘core’ usability aspects.