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Human Factors International Launches 'CUA Central,' Web 2.0 Online Community for Certified Usability Analysts, During 2008 International UPA Conference

NEW YORK, June 18 PRNewswire — Human Factors International (HFI), the global user-experience design leader, today announces its launch of "CUA Central," the official Web 2.0 online community dedicated to Certified Usability Analysts(TM). CUA Central debuts at the premier annual event of the burgeoning usability industry - the 2008 Usability Professionals' Association Conference that HFI is sponsoring. Two hundred and five CUAs are presenting at this year's conference.

According to HFI, CUA Central is exclusively for the worldwide community of nearly 2,000 CUAs from 25 countries. CUAs have demonstrated mastery of the research-based methods and techniques for designing systems and human-computer interactions that are useful, usable, efficient and satisfying experiences. The site is intended to be an invaluable resource for an already robust and expanding list of certified usability practitioners.

While CUA Central is hosted by HFI, the site will provide an unbiased, user-driven conversation about usability for, and by, those who are at the forefront of the field.

Dr. Susan Weinschenk, Chief of Technical Staff at HFI, says the site was developed "in response to a latent, but increasingly palpable demand and desire from within the CUA community itself. CUAs have been asking for this type of forum for some time."

Dr. Weinschenk points out that, "CUA Central is not a one-way street. HFI has just provided the venue and opportunity for an open exchange about all facets of usability and user experience. Member-contributed content will play the biggest role in the site's growth to become a 'must-visit' destination for CUAs."

The site is meant to challenge its members to think further, collaborate, share new ideas, insights and research about the most important issues affecting user experience design now and in the future.

Facilitating its purpose as a meeting place for professional peers, CUA Central features and activities also include:

— Real-time blogging — Forum discussions, online debates, and more — Invitation-only webinars and other knowledge-resources — Membership in a CUA-only LinkedIn(TM) group — Pre-registration for advanced education and training events

CUAs can sign-up for free membership to CUA Central at: http://www.humanfactors.com/CUAcentral.

About Human Factors International

Human Factors International (HFI) is the world's largest company specializing in usability and user experience design, helping clients design websites and products that are engaging and easy to use. HFI's Schaffer-Weinschenk Method(TM) is the only ISO-certifiable process for user-centered design, built on principles from human-computer interaction, ergonomics, psychology, and marketing. HFI provides training and certification for usability practitioners. Clients include Aflac, BBC, Caterpillar, Citigroup, Dell, Ernst & Young, HP, McGraw-Hill, McKesson, Microsoft, NIH, SAP, Social Security Administration, Sony-Ericsson, Texas Instruments, Verizon Wireless, and Wal-Mart. HFI is headquartered in Fairfield, Iowa, with 12 regional offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. More information about HFI, http://www.humanfactors.com, call 800.242.4480 or email hfi@humanfactors.com.

Contact: Michael Draznin, Principal Michael Draznin Consulting phone: +1 917.921.1039 email: michael@drazninconsulting.com

SOURCE Human Factors International

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