Ever wondered why so many usability professionals have studied psychology?

Dr Vanessa Lim from the University of Auckland’s Psychology Department is going to provide you with a psychology 101 level toolkit of knowledge about human memory, cognition and attention. During her talk we’re going to discuss how human vision, attention and memory work and how this knowledge can be applied to design of software and websites. Vanessa will also talk about experimental methods briefly, while recognising that few people in our industries conduct rigorous, tightly controlled experiments.

Dr Vanessa Lim completed her PhD (2003) in Psychology from The University of Melbourne. Main research interests are in movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease and Focal Dystonia) and music processing. Currently working at the Psychology Department as the Neuroimaging manager and Researcher. The main techniques used in the lab are Electroencephalography (EEG), functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and behavioural techniques.

The UPA meetings cover a wide range of topics and we try to have something for those who are new and those with experience in usability. For a list of previous topics see http://www.upa.org.nz/category/auckland/

* RSVP: Please RSVP to auckland@upa.org.nz by 5pm Monday 31st April
* Time: 6pm onwards for drinks and nibbles.
* Talks start at 6.30pm. Finishes at approximately 8pm
* Cost: $10 cash at the door. Please bring correct change.
* Location: Bank of New Zealand, 3rd floor, 125 Queen Street, Auckland
* Late entry: Call Mark McLay on 029 222 00 16 if you have difficulty getting in or arrive after 6.30pm

Usability Professionals Association of New Zealand, Auckland cluster Auckland’s UPA meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of each month.

Joining the UPA
This meeting is part of the Auckland cluster of the NZ Chapter of the Usability Professionals Association (UPA). Information about UPA can be found at: http://www.upassoc.org/ If you have attended 3 or more sessions we strongly encourage you to join the UPA as a professional member or student. UPA membership helps you build your skills in usability and will identify you as someone with usability interests and skills in the wider professional community. UPA membership is available from www.upassoc.org . Please bring your UPA membership number to our meeting if you have one.

We look forward to seeing you,
Miriam Walker 021484492
Auckland UPA coordinator and UPA New Zealand President