Being a usability consultant means doing a job that is interesting and challenging.
It can also be frustrating and difficult.
Whether you work as part of an internal design team, or as an external consultant, you need to be able to communicate the value of usability activities.
You need to be able to understand internal politics, to know when to push, and when to yield.
This workshop, prsented by [two] consultants each with over 15 years experience, will help participants consider how to build and maintain a rewarding career.

Topics covered inlcude:
• Understanding your client or employer
• Strength through yielding – the importance of being flexible and becoming a valued resource – not an obstacle – to developers
• Choosing apporpriate activities – usability testing or heuristic evaluation? Diary studies or focus groups? Ineractive prototypes or static mock-ups? Working with clients to choose the right approaches.
• Taking care of business – thinking about cash flow and business development.
• Your career – how to develop and maintain a profile within the usability community
• Pathways – how to move into usability from other roles, and how to move from usability into other areas
• Living in the future – being prepared for new developments; how to maintain your balance and perspective in times of change.

Audience
This hands-on session is aimed at usability practitioners, or those considering becoming usability consultants. It will not focus on particular usability methods (although these will be discussed).

Format
Lecture, group discussion, and small group hands-on exercises.