On Oct 10, 2008, at 2:42 PM, William Brall wrote:
Are there any other IxDs who work in government, as IxDs or
stubbornly supporting IxD while under other titles, and if there
are, what are your thoughts on how to help the government at large
to embrace IxD?
William,
My company does a lot of government contract work. I've been working
with Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JEOD) for eight years. I've
also worked with the Navy's FA-18 program, Maritime Intercept
Operations, and others. My company's approach to this work is that IxD
is part of the process and my involvement is what distinguishes our
work from our competitors.
You're right, most people don't know what an Interaction Designer
does, but the military does care about Human-Systems Integration
(HSI). They can be quite rigorous about performing field trials and
collecting feedback from the warfighters. I can't speak to affecting
the government "at large", but I do know that by doing good work, I
make an impression on those that we work with. After working with me,
they have some understanding of the value that Interaction Design
brings to the table. Now, that doesn't always mean they are converted—
I occasionally get the feeling they feel threatened by somebody who is
competent—but, overall, my company maintains long-term relationships
and a degree of respect.
I guess what I'm getting at is that I don't try to make the government
see the light. I lead by example, educate when given the opportunity,
and always strive to make the best impression I can. I would say the
root of your observation is just that there are very few IxDers
working for government contractors.
Best,
Jack
Jack L. Moffett
Interaction Designer
inmedius
412.459.0310 x219
http://www.inmedius.com
Simplicity is not the goal.
It is the by-product of a good idea
and modest expectations.
- Paul Rand
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