Illustration by Angelica Pio
In a world that thrives on technological advancements, the significance of usability cannot be overstated. On this World Usability Day, marked annually on November 9, the global community comes together to champion the cause of inclusivity in technology. As we delve into the celebration, it's essential to foreshadow why usability is a vital aspect that resonates across society.
Usability, at its core, addresses the challenge faced by over a billion people worldwide who experience some form of disability. Approximately 15% of the global population confronts barriers in accessing technology, highlighting the urgency for inclusive design. World Usability Day serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards collaborative and cooperative efforts to make technology usable for everyone.
The roots of usability trace back to ancient principles of balance and harmony, akin to the Chinese art of Feng Shui. However, it was in 1993 that the term "user experience" emerged, setting the stage for a journey marked by continuous evolution. From cognitive psychology to the modern landscape of artificial intelligence and assistive technology, the core principle remains unchanged — designing for the user, not the system.
The Pinoy Breakthrough:
In the Philippine context, wide-ranging applications like Shopee and FoodPanda stand as prime examples. These platforms, widely embraced in the country, have undergone innovative transformations to enhance usability. The emphasis here is not on the brands themselves but on the design innovations that make these applications accessible and user-friendly, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Taking a closer look at Shopee and FoodPanda, the innovation lies in the thoughtful design choices that prioritize inclusivity. Large, easily clickable buttons, intuitive color contrasts aiding text readability, and the absence of distracting animations contribute to a seamless user experience. These design features aren't just cosmetic; they are pivotal in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate and utilize these platforms with ease.
Celebrating World Usability Day in the Philippines:
World Usability Day offers a chance to delve into universal design, a concept vital in creating spaces and products usable by everyone. In the Philippines, this could mean exploring initiatives to make public spaces more universally accessible.
Taking a cue from the tech-savvy Filipino population, using social media channels becomes a powerful tool. Employing the hashtag #WorldUsabilityDay, individuals and organizations can share tips, resources, and success stories, fostering a culture of usability awareness.
With smartphones becoming integral to daily life in the Philippines, the day presents an opportune moment to explore accessibility features. Whether it's for shopping or healthcare, understanding and promoting these features can make a significant impact on the usability of technology for all.
As we celebrate World Usability Day in the Philippines and beyond our borders, the spotlight is on the collaborative efforts that lead to inclusive design. The innovations seen in widely-used applications like Shopee and FoodPanda exemplify the impact of user-centric design on society. In embracing the principles of usability, we not only enhance technological experiences but also contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious world.
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