Thursday, July 19, 2007
One fine day my dear boss (don’t be amazed he is a good man) asked, me whether I am interested in usability. I had a blank expression on my face and wondered is this a place in Greece? Is it a new technology I am not aware of? Reading my face, he explained me the whole concept of Usability and oh boy, I got damn excited about this. So all arrangements were done and I was scheduled to attend Human Factors International’s (HFI) Usability training program for next 10 days.
Now before attending the very expensive training, I did some research about the course (which all guys do to get an edge over fellow attendees), and was amazed with the topics covered in the curriculum. So with this excitement, I entered the venue, Hotel Residence, Powai (Mumbai). Geee the entire atmosphere was awesome. No doubt we were treated royally (besides a huge training fee) with nice breakfast, tea breaks and mouth watering lunch (I m loving it!!). Ok enough of this. Let’s get some insights of our training.
HFI is a consulting company with specialty in usability for over 20 years. They are the spear heads of this field and are hired by all big organizations to make usable applications and websites. Now many of us must be thinking what this whole idea of usability is? To clear all doubts, usability means ‘how much user friendly, easy to understand, self evident, efficient and easy to use, is a web site/ application’. Phew. Too much, isn’t it?
This course comes in four modules viz.
1) User-Centered Analysis and Conceptual Design (UCA)
2) The Science and Art of Effective Web and Application Design (Design)
3) Practical Usability Testing (UT)
4) Putting Research into Practice (PRP)
I took all four courses and they were pretty cool. I personally liked UCA the most ,as I wasnt aware of it. Our trainer, Mr. Abhijit Thosar (Group lead HFI) did an excellent job of training as well as giving us relevant examples of UCA for three days. This course is the first step in a user centric designing approach. According to the guide lines of this course, we do not directly jump into design a site /application; instead we do an analysis of who the users are, their demographics, their working environment etc. It is something very logical, yet we do not follow this practice. I would recommend every person, engaged in web application development/design, to attend this course.
Now it was time to dig into Designing aspects. Mr. Hitesh Agrawal (Group lead HFI) guided us for next three days to learn correct design principles of web sites/ applications. We thoroughly enjoyed his teaching and had a lot of fun. Design course revealed some dos and don’ts for developing a user friendly web site/application. Best topics (according to me) were internationalization and accessibility. I would recommend this course as a must do for all guys working on international projects.
Usability testing was another interesting course. In this course we learnt techniques of testing an application (for usability and not for coding bugs). UT provides useful feedbacks from the end users, which helps in validating the design and discovers any bugs in the current application.
Last but not the least was PRP course. This course comes real handy for all usability consultants as it projects current web trends. This course is a consolidation of all research papers submitted on the topic of usability by researchers all over the world. We learnt interesting facts and figures about user’s behavior, and mental model.
In the end I appreciate all hard work done by the Abhijit, Hitesh, Mr Patil and Archana. Thanks for the lovely training and a good learning experience.
Haah. Wondering whether to attend this? Trust me; it’s worth its training fees. I forgot to mention, HFI also has a certification exam, which is conducted at HFI office after every two months. So attend this course, get certified and I am damn sure, your resume will look more elegant than before, of course you will also discover a new way of web site/application design and development.
Enjoy
Labels: Usability
71 comments:
Hi Rahul,
I have attended the HFI training session held at bangalore.
i took the first two courses(UCA and Design), planned to take up the remaining course and exam after 2 months, i want to know whether i can get any sample questions for preparing CUA and your tips for taking up the exam.
Regards,
Vijay
Hi Vijay,
Its good that you have done first two courses and planning for the next two. There are no sample questions available anywhere for this exam. HFI's study material will help you in preparing for the exam. Read the test material thoroughly. Use sticky notes for important sections. Just concentrate on all the study materials given by HFI and you will pass easily.
Prepare for atleast 2-3 weeks, and I am damn sure that you will succeed. I hope I have given you enough input. If you want more, let me know, I will revert.
Hi Rahul, am interested in this course, i wanted to know if the instructors are professional?
Yes Ali.. All the instructors are thorough professionals and are good at their subject, hence do not worry about it.
Hi Rahul
Enjoyed your article here. I too have attended the training at Banglaore in July this year. I actually am not from India. I came all the way from Saudi Arabia and I sponsored myself for the training, which, as you said, turned out to be thoroughly awesome and totally worth it!
My exam is next Thursday Sept 13, wish me luck!
Hey Al,
Thanks for your kind words.
I wish you good luck for your exam, and I am sure you will come out with flying colors.
Its really nice to hear that people like you are coming from so far away for this course.I think this will spread the fire of usability all over the world.
Cheers
Hi Friends:
I have attended this course in Chicago,USA.Fantastic course but a little too heavy for people who take 10 days together.
But we injoyed a lot. Made loads of friends in the training and we are still in touch.
I would recommended people taking up this certification which is the most important one.
My interesting class was the UCA which was taken by Mary. A Fantastic and creative person. She shared her paintings with us and it was wonderful to learn things from her.
-Pinky
Hey I did it! I passed the CUA exam yesterday :)
@Pinky: Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It will really help people on taking a decision to go for this course.
@Al: Hey congratulations to you buddy. I knew you would come out with flying colors. Good Luck.
Hey... I will attend Usability course in October..full course... its 8-18oct and exam is on 20oct... i m planning to apply for exam on 20 oct... wt do u suggest?.... is it very tough...?
Hi Nidhi,
The exam is not very tough but it needs some reading of the traning material. I have written one article on preparation of this exam. check it here http://rahulmainkar.blogspot.com/2007/08/i-am-now-certified-usability-analyst.html
I would suggest you to prepare for at least 3 weeks and then take the test. Even if you read the materials thoroughly, you are gonna clear the test with ease. I have also seen guys who took the test immediately after the course and have passed. So its your call. If you need more input do let me know. Best wishes for your test.
Hey Rahul,
Thanks! for the information
I would also like to ask that what kind of questions come in exam...
Generic like what is usabily,
something about persona etc...
which you can easily find in books .. or its a scenatrio based questions like they will give you
a scenario and u have to see what type of ROI formula vl be used on
that scenario....
Bascially m looking for an examples... if you can give me
some examples....
Thanks!
Hey Rahul,
Thanks! for the information
I would also like to ask that
what kind of questions come in exam...
Generic like what is usabilty,
something about persona etc...
which you can easily find in books ..
or its a scenario based questions like they
will give you a scenario and u have to
see what type of ROI formula vl be used on
that scenario.... m looking
for an examples... if you can give me
some examples....
Thanks!
Hi Nidhi,
The questions are blend of both scenario based as well as definition based. I didnt get any question based on ROI formula. But dont worry about the questions, if you are thru with the study material then you ll find the test quite interesting. Please read all the study books over and over again and mark topics on it using sticky notes. You will clear the test with ease.
Hello Rahul,
I have done one module .i.e.
The Science and Art of Effective Web and Application Design (Design)
After doing the course I am thinking of appearing for UCA exams.
I need a suggestion that should I read all the other three modules by myself or.... Should I do the course...
Thanks
Piyush
Hi Funky We,
I will bet for getting all the courses done before sitting for the test.
Reading the training materials is also a good option but you will surely miss some of the mock interviews and designing techniques which gives you a better understanding. Clearing the test is not the goal for a usability analyst. You need to understand the reasons and concepts behind certain rules which govern usabiliity.
Try to read the training materials.. Its huge.. If you are confident enough then go for the test.
Nice Article.
I was considering the full course for a while - then I found the 10 question assessment test on the HFI site and scored 8 out of 10. The website then recommended that I take only the last course "putting research into practice" - I think that's what it was.
So I'm wondering if I could pass the test without the courses by just using the study material.
The test is in a few days, so I would have to cram all weekend. Mainly I want the certification as a resume booster - I have feeling that I already have a good bit of the knowledge.
Can anyone provide any insight? Am I just completely nuts?
Thanks in advance.
Hi seeandelle,
Sorry for the delay as I was on vacation hence away from the internet.
Comin back to your question, dont go by the sample questions on HFI's website. The test is far more difficult than those question. Studying the training material and sitting for the test is a good option however, the material is not much self evident unless you have a background of it.
Usability is a science and you need to know the concepts. If your goal is just to pass the test and get a better paying job then go for it. But if you want to build a carrer in Usability and be a good analyst you need to know the reasons behind the theory.
I would suggest you to go for the test as you must have prepared quite a bit for now.
But do attend the course as you learn a lot more than we have thought of.
All the best for your exam.
-Rahul
Thanks Rahul,
From the research that I have done it looks like they give you study materials when you attend the courses - which I don't have of course. So when I said I am using their study material, I was only referring to the stuff I could find on their website - Which is pretty much just the glossary and a few sample questions.
I don't have a formal background in HCI or computer science..But I have been a web designer for 10 years working on some large high profile sites. So I think I have picked up alot of the concept second hand.
I have learned most by landing jobs that were slightly above my knowledge level and then learning as much as possible. I like being paid to learn as I go..as opposed to paying for eductation (when possible).
I'm hoping this certification will help me get into positions where I can learn more.
The test is tomorrow - I'm going to see if I can still register today. Still think I've got a shot?
Thanks..
@ Seeandle: Best of luck for your exam buddy.. do inform about the result
Hi Rahul, you seem to be pretty conversant about HFI.
Am from Bangalore and I plan to take the certification soon. I am basically a Graphic Designer person with some exposure in e-learning and print media. I havent done much of Websites and HTML, or Application UI work. But never know when the need arises. I have ben away from hands on work for abt 2-3 yrs, but now back to that.
I dont think I will be able to go thru all 4 tracks. Do you think its a better idea to try the Design track ( or maybe just UCA and design) and then attempt the exam.
Also do you know of any specific job-profiles we GDs can attempt post-certifications. I am not too much of a techy person
Hey Rajiv,
Good to hear your work experience. I would recommend you to go for all the courses as they are worth reading. If you have done GD extensively then design course will be pretty easy for you. UCA and UT are a must do.
I have seen guys taking only one or two courses and passing exams. Hence if your agenda is to only clear the test then go for it. No doubt your resume will become better than before.
But you want to choose usability as a career option and become a usability expert, I would suggest you to take all courses.
Trust me these courses form just a small part of usability. Its just a foundation of a major structure. You will discover new aspects of web design when you actually work as a usability analyst.
-My two cents
Just in case anyone here was wondering...I took the test, but did not pass. I scored a 63 - close but not good enough.
I didn't take any of the courses, but just studied all the material I could get my hands on - which wasn't much.
The test was much more challenging than I expected. I'm going to retake in January. Between now & then I may take the courses - offered in San Diego.
Either that, or I need to get my hands on the study materials that they give you when you take the courses. Obviously I'd prefer not to shell out $5,000 to nail those last 7 questions and get a passing score.
Anyone know how I could get my hands on some of those books?
Hi Rahul, I really appreciate your efforts in helping people out for HFI's-Usability Training. I’m a graphic designer and a faculty for the same since last 6 years. Would like to know that how much this course can help me to enhance my career and how much is the job opportunities in the market. Also would appreciate if you can tell me that how good is the combination of a GD and HFI analyst? I would again like to thankyou for helping out and your valuable comments.
Regards
Sachin
hey rahul,
would like to know whether the question paper is objective type .......!
Hi!
Rahul my name is moiz..i want to inquire that is there any training institute for usability in mumbai.please let me know.
@Moiz,
This article is on HFI's Training course, which is held in Mumbai & Bengalooru. HFI guys are usability trainers as well as cinsultants.You can get more infomation on http://www.humanfactors.com
Hello Rahul,
I want to do the full course, i am based in Hyderabad and i have 2 yrs experience in graphic and Web design.
What is the duration of the course, and how tough is the course work..
I don't possess any graduation, after my +2, joined Arena for 5 sem course, and now i am working as UI engineer in a Company.
What way this course can help me?
need your value suggestions...
Can i take 2 courses and write an exam or should i take all..
Regards
Ashok. T
9701083888
It's great that Rahul successfully completed the full course and cleared the CUA certification(though fortunately by sponsorship!), which most UXD aspirants mayn't have afforded.
I wonder why the HFI's course (aggressive marketing) need to be such a costly affair?...
I'm sorry if I sound arrogant, but sarcastically though, why the paramedics of the field need to spend so much?...(FYI; HFI compares the full time CPE/CHFP program professionals. "They are the certified physicians of the field. HFI’s Certified Usability Analyst program is aimed at designers and developers who want solid training for practical work in user-centered design. These are the certified paramedics of the field.")
Isn't it that the HFI re-thinks the fees and make it more REACHABLE to all Usability Enthusiasts?...
why is the USABILITY career so UNACCESSIBLE?
Hi Manoj,
I hope your message reaches them.
But let me tell you. The course is worth the fees.
Thanks Rahul...
Lets hope tat the HFI considers our point on making the fees for CUA certification.
Hey, just now I saw in the HCIIDC yahoo Group (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/hciidc/message/5488) that the Course fees is :
Course fees:
Registration fee per participant for 10-days, 4-part training program - Rs. 67000 + taxes
Course fee for participant registering for individual courses will be :
UCA – Rs.19000 + taxes
Design – Rs.19000 + taxes
UT – Rs.18000 + taxes
PRP – Rs.18000 + taxes
So what's the actual amount?.. have U paid in US$ or the above amount?
Hi Mainkar,
How is this certification giving you more benefits in terms of salary and career growth?
I have this questing because I am scared to spend so much money for this certification.
Can you please tell me some significant benefits that I will be getting after getting the certification.
Please guide me. Thanks in advance.
@ Manoj- I think you should call up HFI's office and get the correct course fees details. They also run some early birds offer at times... hence you can save some money significantly.
@Jack- When I took the course I did not think in terms of salary raise or something. It definitely helps you in getting some insights of the user centered designing approach. I have seen many guys who have never been to any usability course but still manage to do excellent in their job. However for them a course like this is icing on the cake. Coming to your next point,I was recently selected as CUA of the month by HFI, you can have a look at it here.. this will guide you about the work I have done and how this certification helped me.
http://humanfactors.com/training/cuaofthemonth.asp
Hey Rahul
i am just a fresher and i plan to take up this course..i am going for Masters in Software engineering soon...so do u think it would be wise if i take up this course?
or should i take it after few years of work ex...coz i will have to pay the fees from my pocket...
@bagga,
complete you studies first. Discover your strengths and interests and then go for this course.
Hi Rahul,
What are general salary package one can expect after getting CUA certified?
Faisal...
faisalsohail@gmail.com
+91-9899396994
Hi Rahul,
I live in Hyderabad, I want to attend that course. I do work as a Senior Engineer Specialist in Web Designing cum Web Developing. And has got 4 years of experience in IT Web World.
Could you please let me know, can I take up the course now and start preparing the same.
I want to boost away this recession period with this course. Please let me know how many days the course will be... since I need to take leave in office and as you are saying, to attend this course does it requires any technical knowledge.
Thanks,
Vivek
[http://www.developersnippets.com]
Hi Rahul,
I wonder how you like this latest course from HFI, that is 'Designing for Persuasion, Emotion and Trust'. I have been seeing very good feedback from people all over. Try http://www.humanfactors.com/training/PET.asp
Hi Rahul I am from bangalore , See i am just inspired about this course .i would like to know course available in Bangalore , where and contacts if there plz let me know... and i have 3+ yrs experience in web design/ development, to be usability guru.
Hi Rahul,
Mahalakshmi asked a question which talks about the PET tool,one of the latest tool that HFI has created. I am also very keen to know your feedback and what you think of PET? Try http://www.humanfactors.com/training/PET.asp
I have been following your blog closely and your passion and dedication to answer to questions is something amazing. Awesome work and thanking you in advance. Great job and please keep it up.
Regards,
Kushal.
I
@ Kushal and Mahalaxmi: THanks for your kind words and sorry for the delay in response. PET was a part of our course when I took it about 2 years ago. HFI guys briefly touched upon the concepts then. I see this as a new course, there is absolutely no issue in signing up for the course as I personally believe that HFI provides world class tranings and knowledge.
@ Anushreeram: Log on to humanfactors website and you will get all the information needed
hello rahul,
i m nausheen i have completed my graduation ba psychology hons from aligarh muslim university.i got to about this website and course from my cousin plz cud u plz send me more information regarding this course and the fee structure.i am very much interested in this course plz do let me know the scope of this corse and and the salary package after completing this course and the countries where i can get job easily. waiting eagerly plz reply soon
@Nausheen
You can get all the necessary infomration on Human Factors website www.humanfactors.com
Just completing this course is not the end of the story, you have to work on exciting projects and apply your new knowledge. Regarding salary, I am not the correct person to answer this. But can gurantee you that your job will definitely will be exciting.
Hi Rahul,
I stopped across you blog and I must admit, you have posted all the necessary information with patience and depth. I have registered for the 4 track HFI course, and planning to take the CUA exam in just 3 days after the course. This is mainly due to my travel plans, so I havent got much time to study. I have certain questions to ask in this regard.
- Do you think, anyone would be able to study and clear this exam in such a short span?
- Is the understanding that one would get during the training sessions enough to perceive the concepts and later revise for 3 days in my case and clear the exam?
Kindly advice
Madhura
@Madhura: Certaninly you can pass this exam if you are able to study the whole course material. Also this is an open book test hence I see no reason why anyone will not be able to pass after studying for 3-4 days
Thank you rahul, that was good to know and it helped.
will let you know the results
cheers
Madhura
Hi Rahul,
I am graphic Designer and I am keen on taking up the course and the training which is schedules from 8 - 18th of march 2010.
I have 2 queries for you.
1) after doing this certification would I be entering a completely different field from my current job Profile? As in after the certification would I still manage to stick to designing or not?
2) I have read on the net most Job Profiles need experienced Usability analyst. Do you think getting an unexperienced person like me in the field of Usabitily will also be recruited easily just on the basis of the certification I receive from HFI..
Your prompt response in this matter would be highly appreciated..
Thnx and Regards
Vaibhavi
@ Vaibhavi
Graphic designing and Usability go hand in hand. Usability practices help you design user centered graphics and web elements.
Regarding jobs, it depends how to perform in the interview, having a certification will definitely give you an upper hand.
Hi Rahul,
I have completed my Master's in Software Engineering in '09 and I am currently a fresher. I have studied about Usability and Design principles in my Interactive Systems Design Module and did my dissertation related to this field. I find it very interesting and creative. My query is : Should I gain some work experience before doing these courses or should I do them right away. What will be the job prospects for a fresher like me after doing these courses.
Best Regards
Sumit Kharb
@Sumit: According to me you should first get some work experience, know more about this field and then get in for this course. This will also give you some time to confirm if this is the right field for your career.
Hi Rahul,
This is Swaroop, your article found to be very interesting. I am working on the User Interface and i am interested to do the UCA certification. Could you please let me know the following details:
1. How much is the training cost for all the 4 courses.
2. I am from bangalore can the training courses available in bangalore.
3. How much is the certification cost?
4. What are the advantages from doing UCA certification, is it Internationally accepted.
5. Could you please let me know whether each course and take the exam. I am very much interested in this.
Please drop an email to swaroop.jayanthi@gmail.com
Thanks in advance for your precious time and help.
Thanks
--Swaroop
@Swaroop: Logon to www.humanfactors.com and you will get all the information related to course, fees and locations.
Yes this certification in accepted as a standard in the industry.
-Rahul
Seems interesting, challenging, and it is certainly rewarding!
However, I have been a technical writer and now I am confused about my career path. Do you think it is a good career option for people with technical writing background?
Kindly advise.
Regards,
Utpal
utpalbhatt@gmail.com
@Utpal,
I cannot comment on your question as it is upto you to decide your career path. I can say that this is a field which needs passion and experience in end user satisfaction. If you have it in you then go for it.
Hi Rahul,
Will we get any certification for attending the course without the Examination.
..the course fee is very expensive..
Also will it be difficult to get through the exmas..?
@ KNK: Yes you do get a certificate for attending course. But this does not certify you as an expert. The exam is easy as long as you study.
Hi Rahul,
My friend who completed this course always suggested me to take up HFI. My fear is that I may not clear exam as I heard its tough. Do you suggest taking 2 modules at once instead of all?. Im very much confused as i'm badly looking for change.
What about PET?
Can you share me your ID and contact info to raju.raghavendra@gmail.com
Regards,
Raghu.
Hi Rahul,
Thanks for sharing your experience!
It helps to know feedback from people who have attended such training.
I am a UI Developer from Bangalore and want to attend usability training. I have heard of an organization called Design Incubator.
- www.designincubator.com
I have heard that their faculty teach very well, the courses give more applied knowledge, more apt for Indian IT industry and is much more reasonably priced.
Do you know more about it?
@Hasan: NO idea on Design Incubator courses.
Rahul,
i am working in an IT company for 7 years as graphic designer and from last two year my profile changed to UX consultant. i work to improve UX of all web sites/apps, but these i am doing by my experience knowledge. now i like to do some certification in UX or Usability and i found HFI and your blog is very useful too.
only i like to know one thing, does this course helps in software development industry or non IT market. actually i want to leave web but want a job where i can be input my creativity
reply expected...
@Sachin: I believe usability is greatly appreciated in all discplines. However, this course focuses on usability for web and application development. Hope this helps
Hi rahul,
Myself harsha from Bangalore,I am a visual designer with a science background.
I have 5+ years of experience in e-learning domain. I am interested in usability and user experience and heard about the HFI certification. Is the certificate worth doing, with my kind of background? Can you please tell me what kind of job opportunities exist, after doing it. Also if it is limited to website design or there are other industries also have such requirements.
Your inputs will be helpful.
Thanks,
Harsha
@Harsha,
I believe usability can be widely used in your current domain. I cannot comment on job opportunities as it is upto you to find out. HFI course focuses on basic principles of Usability which can be used not only in website and application design but also in other industry processes like product design and ergonomics to name a few. Hope this helps
Hi Rahul,
Thanks for posting such useful information. Is there a possibility that you could share some training materials with us.
That would be very kind of you.
Thanks!
Dear Rahul,
I am from Jaipur and in print and publishing industry since last 12 years now and i am interested in doing this course Ux design...how can i go about that from here in Jaipur...
Regards
Paridhi
(Graphic designer)
Hi Rahul,
I'm interested in doing the HFI's CUA. Can you please help me out by giving your inputs on the following queries?
1. Can I take the exam directly without taking the 4 courses? If so what is the procedure?
2. Is it a open book test?
3. Do I have to attend the test in centers or can I take it online?
4. Will the questions be from the study material they provide?
5. What is the passing score?
Any other suggestion or advice you would like to provide me to prepare for the exams. Please let me know.
Thanks
Regards,
SK
Hi Rahul ! I'm basically a UI developer and interested in getting into usability and UX designing.
Any inputs if this course can be helpful to pursue my interest in UX design field?
Hi Rahul,
Good post.
I am an Instructional Designer and work for an e-learning company. Do you think moving to HCI/UCA/UT is a good option for me?
I do not have a design background, but have a computer engineering degree.
Please advice. Thanks!
Nithya
Hi Rahul,
Need some help with the course selection giving by HFI
I'm in the design industry for past 5 years mainly dealt with print works, but also has done some layout designing for web and other visual elements for websites. And no background of coding.
Right now I'm looking for a training or courses which gives more insight of design and its usability. I'm more keen in learning how to create a better and usable design, not much of coding. So can you guide me through this
Cheers
Manna
Hi Rahul,
I am interested in doing this course.
You have mentioned that the course comprises of 4 modules viz.
1) User-Centered Analysis and Conceptual Design (UCA)
2) The Science and Art of Effective Web and Application Design (Design)
3) Practical Usability Testing (UT)
4) Putting Research into Practice (PRP)
I would like to know that is there a separate course and examination fee for each of these modules?
I am little confused about the fee structure... Please can you help?
Thanks and Regards,
Prajakta.
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