Applications for self-aware systems: Why would we need conscious shoes? Pepperell, R

On-Line Consumer Behavior and Culture by Ghada R. El Said

Mobile Group Music Improvisation: Bryan-Kinns, N

QOC matrices: An alternative practical notation for design space analysis, Englefield, P and Tibbits, M

The Ethics of Engagement: Knight J and Pandir, M

Industrial design: Engaging with, and incorporation of emerging technologies, Thompson, S

Conference Themes: Affective computing, Digital media, E-Learning, E-Retail, Games, HCI, Interactive arts, Mobile devices and ubiquitous computing, Public access kiosks and interactives.

For more information and how to book for event, visit: http://www.uce.ac.uk/web2/releases/3328.html

This press release in available in PDF, plain text and Word formats. Photographs are available of User-Lab team. The media spokesperson for User-Lab is John Knight, Usability Engineer.

About User-Lab: http://www.user-lab.com

User-Lab is a non-profit making organisation based at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design http://www.biad.uce.ac.uk/. The lab is part of Institute’s Research Department and is staffed by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in digital media design, human-computer interaction, psychology and software engineering.

The lab comprises three purposely built testing and design labs that are equipped with latest technology for conducting behavioural, physiological and psychological research. The lab has two related functions: to carry out research into digital experience and, based on results of this work, to develop an innovative commercial service.

In two years since its inception, lab has been involved in a number of collaborative projects with RDAs, FEs, charities and public and private sector. The outcomes of these projects range from assisting start up businesses to training, as well as lab’s core business of user-centred design services.

User-Lab runs Web Accessibility Training with Royal National Institute for Blind (RNIB) http://www.rnib.org.uk/ and ECOTEC an international research and consultancy organisation http://www.ecotec.com/.

----Contact----

Elemental PR:

Rachel Hawkes, Account Executive, Elemental PR Email: user-lab@elementalpr.co.uk

Direct Telephone: +44 (0)870 745 9292, Mobile: +44 (0)7930 375663, Fax: +44 (0)870 745 9293, Website: http://www.elementalpr.co.uk

Address: Second Floor, 145 -157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY, England, UK

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4.) Delivery Options - should make sense for all customers. Ensure that they have full knowledge of shipping information to avoid delay and error. If a shipping option is not available for a specific region be sure that is clearly stated on website. Provide estimates as to when product will arrive to various regions, so that customers have appropriate expectations about delivery time frames.

5.) Order Forms - when creating order forms use terminology that is universal; if possible, where relevant, refer to postal codes rather than zip codes. The terminology on order form should support fact that company sells to an international audience.

6.) Payment Policy - clearly state payment policies on any order pages, if purchase orders or wire transfers are not accepted from specific countries be sure that policy is clearly stated. Prepare an explanation as to why policies are in place. Customers understand that foreign purchase orders are not legally binding and will not feel alienated if an explanation is offered and clearly stated.

7.) Spelling - can vary, so avoid using terminology on website that would cause confusion or look like careless spelling mistakes. Be clear and concise as many customers may be viewing your website in their second language. A website that can be viewed in different languages is all better for communicating with foreign customers.

Ultimately goal is to make purchasing product or service easy for a customer. A website that respects cultural differences, as well as nuances of language and terminology, will go a long way in attracting an international audience.

About the Author - Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net