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Rhys Nealon's Essay

Looking at the core usability process: Study, understand, maximize and improve, we can see a clear correlation with the term sustainability. Being aware of production processes, energy consumption, or waste generated, is just the first part of the cycle to then develop or improve techniques to achieve optimum results with minimum damage.

It is our responsibility as usability professionals to use our knowledge to help the environment. Examples of how this can be done are: making recycling easier by providing clear iconography (on packaging) to help people know which products can be placed together for recycling, or improving energy management within buildings by using intuitively controlled automated devices.

One of the main areas where usability is making an impact is in the digital realm. The key advantage of this in terms of sustainability is cutting down on paper trail. Improving user interfaces, by optimizing existing and creating new means of interaction, together with increased screen size is providing end users with an ever-improving experience. New uses of technologies such as augmented reality (AR), used by Monocle and Multi-Touch used in Apple's Magic Mouse help make digital technology more intuitive, increasing take up and reducing the need for paper based communication, therefore helping the environment.

While the advantages of improved usability are evident in the human-device interaction, they are also vital in promoting increased communication between people around the globe. This improved means of information sharing has undoubtedly helped to increase awareness of sustainability-related issues, such as recycling, sustainable farming, or availability of more sustainable modes of transport.

The use of our specialized knowledge to improve sustainability will help aid the wellbeing of the planet, ensuring our own wellbeing in return.

Read Tim's essay  |  Read Dave's essay
Read Amy's essay  |  Read Arpana's essay  |  Read Brian's essay  |  Read Guiomar's essay
Read Leina's essay  |  Read Marisa's essay  |  Read Premjit's essay  |  Read Rhys's essay
Read Scott's essay  |  Read Tara's essay  |  Read Jimmy's essay

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