TY - JOUR
T1 - Usability Instruction in Technical Communication Programs New Directions in Curriculum Development
AU - Kastman Breuch, Lee Ann M
AU - Zachry, Mark
AU - Spinuzzi, Clay
PY - 2001
Y1 - 2001
N2 - Although usability testing and research have become critical tasks for technical communicators in the workplace, little discussion in technical communication focuses on teaching usability in technical communication programs. This article asserts that technical communication programs are particularly well positioned to adopt usability testing and research in their curricula because of inherent connections between usability and technical communication, such as their mutual emphases on audience analysis, technology, and information design. Approaches to implementation of usability courses at three universities are described, and the authors share suggestions for adopting usability in the areas of curriculum, equipment, and facilities needed for conducting usability.
AB - Although usability testing and research have become critical tasks for technical communicators in the workplace, little discussion in technical communication focuses on teaching usability in technical communication programs. This article asserts that technical communication programs are particularly well positioned to adopt usability testing and research in their curricula because of inherent connections between usability and technical communication, such as their mutual emphases on audience analysis, technology, and information design. Approaches to implementation of usability courses at three universities are described, and the authors share suggestions for adopting usability in the areas of curriculum, equipment, and facilities needed for conducting usability.
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U2 - 10.1177/105065190101500204
DO - 10.1177/105065190101500204
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:1542780794
SN - 1050-6519
VL - 15
SP - 223
EP - 240
JO - Journal of Business and Technical Communication
JF - Journal of Business and Technical Communication
IS - 2
ER -