The End of Usability Culture
Digital Web — “The critical factor is ensuring a balanced view and execution. Thoroughly tested usability and a well-constructed architecture are only part of the story. Business, brand, experience design, programming, hardware and network analysis—among other things—must be incorporated and given appropriate weight. This requires more than knowledge and experience. Leading a successful Web project demands a healthy respect for how these varied disciplines interrelate, and the courage and focus to push for solutions that not only meet the quantitative metrics but also strive to innovate, differentiate and delight.”
Stating the obvious? Usability done well is never done in a vacuum. Furthermore, usability is not a single thing at all. It draws on many people, many forces. By the way, if you think I am defending usability, you are wrong. I’m one of the most likely people to attack it.