Thursday, January 12, 2006

Comparing Market Research & Usability Methods

Join us for our January 12th event where we will facilitate a roundtable discussion on the differences between Market Research and Usability methods. Where do we draw the line? Wait - do we draw a line?

Come prepared to discuss the differences between Usability and Market Research. Is conducting a focus group really within the definition of usability research? Do you conduct focus groups? What about surveys or questionnaires? Are there any books that you use from the market research arena that help you as in the Usability realm?

To give us additional insight into Market Research Tom Eckstein will be joining us. Tom has been in the Market Research and product development world for the past 20 years. He has done usability testing as part of a whole range of market research. Tom has experience in a number of industries including consumer products, financial services, health care, software products, and legal services. To give us some food for thought Tom tells us that ”I don't really distinguish between MR and usability. My angle is more objective driven. First, what do we need to know from our user (customer, buyer, advocate, etc.) to make the decision at hand? Second, what is the best way to obtain that information? Focus, survey, usability, etc. Without the first point, the second discussion on method is rather meaningless."

If you, or someone you know, would like to attend, please register by emailing events@upamn.org that you will attend.

Meeting Details:

Date/Time:
January 12, 2006, 6:00 PM
Place:
US Bank, RiverBank Business Center
Address:
2751 Shepard Road, St. Paul, MN 55116 (View Map)
Host:
US Bank
Topic:
Comparing Market Research & Usability Methods

Agenda:

Cost & Registration

 

If you or someone you know would like to attend, please register by emailing events@upamn.org that you will attend.

 

2006 Membership Renewal

Membership is on a calendar year basis. You can renew your membership at the January event. It's only $40 for the calendar year. Read more about membership.

Directions & Map:

map to US Bank

Driving Directions:

From the East or Northeast:

  1. Take I-35E South then take the MN-5/West 7TH ST exit- exit number 103B
  2. Turn RIGHT onto FORT RD/MN-5/W 7TH ST
  3. Turn LEFT onto MONTREAL AVE
  4. Then turn RIGHT onto ELWAY ST
  5. Turn RIGHT onto SHEPARD RD. US Bank is right next to the Buca restaurant
  6. Enter the building at the main entrance on the East side (not the side with the big awning)
  7. You'll need to check-in and be escorted to the meeting room.

From the Southeast:

  1. Take I-35E North to SHEPARD RD.
  2. Go LEFT on SHEPARD RD. to US Bank building on the right (approx. 2 miles)
  3. Take the driveway in and look for the main entrance with Visitor Parking (does not have a big awning)

From the West or Southwest:

  1. Take I-494 South/East (towards the airport)
  2. Merge onto MN-5 East toward MAIN TERM./ST PAUL VIA 7TH
  3. Take the NORFOLK AVE exit
  4. Turn RIGHT onto DAVERN ST/DAVERN AVE
  5. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto SHEPARD RD
  6. US Bank is right next to the Buca restaurant
  7. Enter the building at the main entrance on the East side (not the side with the big awning)
  8. You'll need to check-in and be escorted to the meeting room.

From the Northwest:

  1. I-394 East to 94 East
  2. I-94 East to 35W South
  3. I-35W South to 62 East
  4. HWY 62 East to HWY. 5 North/East (St. Paul Exit)
  5. HWY 5. to SHEPARD RD. (1st exit)
  6. Stay to your right going up the exit and turn LEFT onto SHEPARD RD. at the traffic lights.
  7. Riverbank Business Center will be on your left. (US Bank is right next to the Buca restaurant.) Take the driveway in and look for the main entrance with Visitor Parking (does not have a big awning)
  8. You'll need to check-in and be escorted to the meeting room.

MapQuest map & directions from your location

Help Spread the Word:

Know someone interested in usability? Feel free to invite them to an upcoming meeting. Visitors are always welcome. Please forward this announcement to other area professionals who might have an interest in UPA-MN meetings or activities.

Upcoming Meetings & Events:

Do you have an idea for a future meeting or know someone you think would be a good speaker? Contact our Program Directors (ProgramDirector@upamn.org) with your suggestions.

Last update: January 05, 2006