ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book focuses on usability and makes a difference in how software applications and websites are created. It discusses the struggles and successes that usability and user-centred design (UCD) practitioners encounter as they work with business people and technologists in fast-paced, high-stakes projects. The key is to be flexible when creating a more user-focused organisation. The UCD practitioner's role as user advocate can sometimes cause them to discount the value of the business representative and the technologists' contributions. In these situations, the UCD practitioner can come across as smug, superior and too critical. When the other disciplines perceive UCD practitioners in this way, their effectiveness is vastly reduced. Dedicated practitioners with both technical skills and the patience and tenacity to influence others strive to identify and understand where users find it difficult to accomplish their goals.
