Windows and Microsoft.com Usability
I really feel for the people who get put in the middle of a mess like this email from Bill Gates. It’s a somewhat amusing read coming from the world’s richest man and the leader of the largest software company in the world, criticizing his own products.
The email is an overview of his frustration while trying to download some movie making software from his own company’s website. Issues include unclear naming conventions, (which Microsoft is notorious for) grouping of programs non-intuitively, not being prepared for users to go to a “download” page to download additional software, unlabeled system software updates and even required restarts without explanation. 
I think it’s great that a CEO actually uses his product and sees how his customers are treated when using it. The opposite happens day after day… confusing experiences based on an inattention to detail, poor product development and lack of usability as a priority.
When was the last time you approached your company and it’s products as a new user? Have you done some simple “listening labs” to watch and listen to people use your site or product? Can your grandmother use your site/product?
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