Ruth Stalker-Firth

The Fresenius Kabi Applix Smart food pump is a masterclass in bad design. There is nothing smart about this food pump and its accessories. It has been designed without taking into consideration the context in which it is to be used. Consequently, some of its accessories are not just safe enough to used around patients and the home and could lead to the compromise of patient safety.

When designing any form of interface, a usability consultant will push for the interface to be: effective and efficient; easy to learn and remember; useful and safe.

After usability comes user experience (in this medical context perceived user satisfaction is enough, as it is never going to be fun to use a food pump on a chronically ill person) which encourages users to feel supported and motivated by a helpful interface.

Fresenius Kabi has failed the user of the Applix Smart food pump on usability and user experience. (more…)

My La Pavoni Professional looks fabulous in my kitchen and makes even more fabulous coffee. What else could a coffee machine give me? What about the feeling that I am an extremely clever girl everytime I pull an espresso?

From a usability point of view there is nothing more a kitchen appliance can do for its consumer. I love the way it looks, what it gives me, and how I feel when I use it.

Why is this so? (more…)

Normally, I have violent fantasies about the things I would like to say when on the telephone with the Inland Revenue. Yesterday I didn’t say a word when interacting with them as I filed my self-assessment online. (more…)