October 19, 2005
Christchurch, October 19th 2005 - HumanWare’s low vision customers look set to benefit from an announcement by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) that will see the company receive $100,000.
The funding, granted through FRST’s Technology for Industry Fellowship Scheme allows New Zealand companies to second the services of industry experts or specialists. The money will be used by HumanWare to undertake a nine-month project assessing the usability of various low vision products.
To complete this project HumanWare have enlisted the expertise of Amanda Mander from Zanzara Ltd, a consulting firm founded in the US that designs interfaces for technology-based products. As well as having a huge amount of experience in the area of usability, Amanda is also skilled in interaction design; a specialized design discipline that ensures the end design meets the customer’s needs and expectations.
Since 1991 Amanda has worked with a number of very high profile high technology US companies including Apple Computer, Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak and Sun Microsystems.
“The aim is to ensure HumanWare’s low vision products are the most user friendly products on the market. In our industry it is essential our products assist users without frustrating them,” says Russell Watson, HumanWare’s Low Vision Product Manager. “Having the funding available to do this will ensure HumanWare maximises the benefits customers get from our products. Using any HumanWare product should be simple, straight forward and enjoyable!”
The nine-month project, initiated in September 2005, will look at the complete user experience, both positive and negative, using existing video magnification products. Throughout this period Amanda will observe a range of ‘real users’ as they perform various day-to-day activities with the aid of a magnifier.
‘”During this project I will be looking closely at ways we can improve and enhance the usability and design of HumanWare’s products. How the products are designed, can help or impede the user. Our goal is to ensure that any changes will benefit HumanWares’ customers,” explains Amanda Mander. “As the project develops I will be working closely with HumanWare’s R & D to assist them in developing and designing new and innovative low vision products to showcase to the world.”
This project builds on earlier usability studies carried out by HumanWare in conjunction with Canterbury University’s HIT Lab prior to the development of myReader – the worlds first low vision auto-reader. This research reflects HumanWare’s commitment to understanding their customers’ requirements and ultimately being able to develop products that are not only innovative and intuitive but also designed to meet customers’ needs.
Ensuring these needs are met and that products deliver consistently on their performance promise is pivotal to the HumanWare’s ongoing success.
Christchurch, October 19th 2005 - HumanWare’s low vision customers look set to benefit from an announcement by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) that will see the company receive $100,000.
The funding, granted through FRST’s Technology for Industry Fellowship Scheme allows New Zealand companies to second the services of industry experts or specialists. The money will be used by HumanWare to undertake a nine-month project assessing the usability of various low vision products.
To complete this project HumanWare have enlisted the expertise of Amanda Mander from Zanzara Ltd, a consulting firm founded in the US that designs interfaces for technology-based products. As well as having a huge amount of experience in the area of usability, Amanda is also skilled in interaction design; a specialized design discipline that ensures the end design meets the customer’s needs and expectations.
Since 1991 Amanda has worked with a number of very high profile high technology US companies including Apple Computer, Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak and Sun Microsystems.
“The aim is to ensure HumanWare’s low vision products are the most user friendly products on the market. In our industry it is essential our products assist users without frustrating them,” says Russell Watson, HumanWare’s Low Vision Product Manager. “Having the funding available to do this will ensure HumanWare maximises the benefits customers get from our products. Using any HumanWare product should be simple, straight forward and enjoyable!”
The nine-month project, initiated in September 2005, will look at the complete user experience, both positive and negative, using existing video magnification products. Throughout this period Amanda will observe a range of ‘real users’ as they perform various day-to-day activities with the aid of a magnifier.
‘”During this project I will be looking closely at ways we can improve and enhance the usability and design of HumanWare’s products. How the products are designed, can help or impede the user. Our goal is to ensure that any changes will benefit HumanWares’ customers,” explains Amanda Mander. “As the project develops I will be working closely with HumanWare’s R & D to assist them in developing and designing new and innovative low vision products to showcase to the world.”
This project builds on earlier usability studies carried out by HumanWare in conjunction with Canterbury University’s HIT Lab prior to the development of myReader – the worlds first low vision auto-reader. This research reflects HumanWare’s commitment to understanding their customers’ requirements and ultimately being able to develop products that are not only innovative and intuitive but also designed to meet customers’ needs.
Ensuring these needs are met and that products deliver consistently on their performance promise is pivotal to the HumanWare’s ongoing success.
About FRST
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) invests in research, science and technology (RS&T) on behalf of Government to enhance the wealth and well being of New Zealanders. As the largest single investor in RS&T, it plays a key role in facilitating participation in the achievement of economic, environmental and social benefitsAbout HumanWare
Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, HumanWare designs and manufactures innovative technology for people who are blind and visually impaired. Formed in 1988, and formerly known as Pulse Data International, HumanWare exports approximately 98% of its products worldwide to more than 30 countries, and has revenues of approximately NZ$70 million.
In January 2005, Pulse Data and VisuAide of Canada merged to form HumanWare, one of the world’s largest companies in the blindness and low vision industries.
Sales offices have been established in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Additional Information
For further information about HumanWare, please visit our website at www.humanware.com or contact:
Russell Watson
Product Manager – Low Vision
russell.watson@humanware.com
