Fitter, happier: improving how we interact with the systems that surround us

On World Usability Day, two UCL researchers describe how their work is making the systems in our lives more efficient, pleasurable and safe to use. Ann Blandford , Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and Director of the UCL Interaction Centre. 'Systems that are easy and enjoyable to use improve people's experience, whether by making systems safer, improving efficiency or creating delightful interactions. The quality of design has a direct impact on the user experience. But in order to design well, we have to understand the relationship between design and use, which means understanding people as well as technology. 'Researchers in the UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC) have been working with both the developers and the users of various systems to better understand user needs and how to design for them. For example, work with the London Ambulance Service showed that key information about incidents was difficult for controllers to access.