Out of the trenches, into usability testing

It has become a clear realization that the success of any web site, business plan or product launch depends on usability.

Dictionary
usable |ˈyoōzəbəl| (also useable) adjective able or fit to be used : usable information. DERIVATIVES usability |ˌyoōzəˈbilətē| noun

Thesaurus
usability noun all of our office furniture is designed for usability ergonomics, ease of use, user-friendliness, accessibility, convenience, intuitiveness.

Artistic business professionals are constantly multi-tasking, gathering and sorting information, planning the next move. They are practicing techniques, embellishing what works, trashing what has no use. Precise composition, original content, useful functions and clear navigation are extremely important in implementing success in blogging for business.

Imagine: Out of the information trenches a multi-media journalist arises; confused, lost and overwhelmed by the possibilities of digital travel. It’s been a rough ride – at first there were tide pools, then a flood of information that changed everything. Where am I? What are my options? How can I get back on track? This time it was a handy book of common sense called “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug. The laws of usability created a path to acquiring the best composition, content and navigation, made possible by usability testing.

As artists, as business professionals, as web users, we have power and responsibility. We have the power to implement the ideas we feel strongly for, organize our plans, produce and host our content by utilizing tools. With the power of speech and visual imagery, we have the responsibility to tell the world what to eliminate, namely unnecessary functions, content and usability. When the tools don’t work as well as expected, we get frustrated, want to give up, start over or even just forget. By testing web sites that provide artists tools to build their business and talking about our experiences, we come closer to achieving our goals.

The moral of the story? Test your website, your neighbor’s, your work’s, your favorite social and professional networking sites, blog platforms, user groups, image hosting services, etc. and report back to this blog. By gathering, sharing and collaborating, we can explore our usability testing results and save time to make more art.

Like Water for Blogging

The business of art is delicate and unpredictable, like the conduction of electricity through water. Artists love to change, romancing new ideas, excited for new possibilities. These elements are unpredictable, though they enjoy sporadic, spontaneous love affairs when combined; exciting, shocking – even magical.

Water is the source of living creatures, it nourishes, replenishes, moves into various forms, tastes of nothing, takes shape like no other fluid substance.

Electricity allows the transfer of information. Information transfer is the root of communication as we know it. We may conduct a path, create a source, hear, see and sense its movement, though we cannot smell, taste nor define shape.

Imagine: You are steady moving, shape shifting, rushing, gushing, or standing still. Blogging rearranges your artistic elements, connects to new opportunities, manages content and delivers information. Surfers and swimmers encounter bits here and there, examining elements based on interest. Some cringe, others cry out in delight, some stare in desperation. Is it the water? Is there something in the water?

Art is your water, business is your electricity.

Whatever vessel determines your blog, be it a website, social networking profile or a really simple syndication, your art is the love and life of your business. Let it nourish the pathways of information, replenishing the souls it romances. Love your art and your business will communicate an undefinable urge to have another glass of irresistible magic.

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Keeping blogs focused

Starting a blog requires focus, organization and solid decisions.

Imagine a new blog as a small creek, leaking into a larger river, dumping your content into an ocean of information. You are a multimedia journalist, traveling through seas of networks, your skills are your vessel. Your assignment is to conduct daily social experiments, record them and share them with the World Wide Web. You live in a world where the variables are infinite. Steady, breath.

Keeping your blog focused is about having a detailed plan, a mission, a goal. Writing and editing skills come in handy. Strategy and consistency are key. And it may not happen “right” the first time.

Multitasking online has become easy and addictive for individuals all over the world. I recently reviewed my blog and yes it’s true, my blog needs focus. For this reason, as my sub-title entails, I am committing this blog to topics of discussion solely regarding artists interested in business.

As I posted earlier today on Biznik, I strongly believe that artists everywhere can relate to the lack of guidance in seeking the support, tools and resources that they need to make their wildest dreams come true.

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EVENT CALENDAR: All About Blogging [the series]

If you are an artistic entrepreneur and have been thinking about blogging for your business, take a moment to check out the classes that I’m offering in Ballard.

Next Wednesday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m., join us in the Forum Center for the “All About Blogging – For Beginners!” class and find out what you need to know about starting your blog.

The following Wednesday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m., join us again the Forum Center for the “All About Blogging – Intermediate!” class and get more information on utilizing optimizing your current tools.

Please visit the Biznik Events page to learn more.

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RESULTS: Opening Party @ La Familia Gallery!

Thanks for the Support!

The Opening Party last Thursday for the collective art show at La Familia was absolutely amazing, the most successful opening party I’ve experienced YET! Thank you to all the supporters, everyone who stopped by, hung around, checked out the show, partied after and showed me some love online and over the phone.

Thank you to Dan Achatz, photographer extraordinaire, for working overtime to shoot the event. He was there at set up, in the midst of the chaos, to the end of the night. I can’t wait to see and share the photos!! Please stay tuned… in the mean time, check out his fab work at www.danachatz.com.
A very special thank you to Deepsleep Narcotics for playing some kick ass trip hop and bringing the crowd in from the street. If you didn’t get a chance to hear the music, please visit their MySpace page or their website at www.deepsleepnarcotics.com. Show them some love and pick up their Late Night Pharmacy EP, I did and it’s HOT!

And, thanks to Lanae at La Familia Gallery for pulling all the elements together like a magician. The space was transformed into it’s own universe and made for a strong presence at the art walk. Thank you for bringing three crazy Latina artists together!

Lastly, and with piles of love, thank you Amaranta and Frida for showing your best for this unforgettable party and collective exhibit. Mexico City, here we come!
LOVE!! HUGS!!

*ingr!d*

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