INTERNET USER EXPERIENCE 2008
March 31 - April 2
Morris Lawrence Building, Ann Arbor, MI
A conference spotlighting methods for dramatically improving today's web site user experience
Tutorials
AJAX and the Design of Usable, Effective Websites
Wednesday, April 2nd, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Jason Withrow
Professional Faculty, Internet Professional Program
Washtenaw Community College
Abstract
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) opens the door to new ways of presenting Web experiences, shifting from the traditional synchronous interaction model to an asynchronous model. Implemented successfully, AJAX can enhance usability and keep users in the task flow, seamlessly moving through a process. Poor implementations, on the other hand, are likely to confound and frustrate users, lowering conversion rates and driving users away from your site. This tutorial explores best practices for implementing usable, effective AJAX applications.
Target Audience
This workshop is designed for user experience practitioners and web designers / developers.
Tutorial Outline / Schedule
Fundamentals of Usable, Effective AJAX (1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.)
Break (2:45 - 3:00 p.m.)
Accessibility Considerations with AJAX (3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Activity: Designing a Single-Page Checkout Process (4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.)
Review and Wrap-up (4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Instructor
Jason Withrow's background includes eight years of user experience practice, in roles such as information architect, usability engineer, and business analyst. Jason also has years of instructional experience in the Internet Professional department at Washtenaw Community College, teaching classes on user experience, web coding / programming, project management, and professional practices. He holds Master's degrees in both Psychology and Information.