Jean-François Nogier

Picture of Jean-François Nogier

Usability Engineering is the result of a my career in the field of the Man-Machine Communication.

With an engineering background, I began my career in searching how to develop advanced software able to assist human being in text writing. As I went along in my research, I understood that the add-value of a software lies in its suitability with the user, not in the implemented algorithms. This is the reason why I get interested in Ergonomics: wondering how software could take the best advantage of human capabilities.

Three periods have marked my career: the first one at the IBM France Scientific Center, then the development of operational systems at Thales and lastly the founding of Usabilis a consulting agency dedicated to usability.

1985-1991: Computer science Research

Computer science PhD Engineer, I began my career in the IBM France Scientific Center where I led a research about Natural Language Generation. Several publications result from this research including a book, published by Hermès editor, entitled Génération automatique de langage et graphes conceptuels (Natural Language Generation and Conceptual Graphs).

1991-2001: Man-Machine Interface Design

In 1991, I integrated Thomson-CSF group, now called Thales. I joined first, a research team about man-machine interaction. Then, as design specialist, I have been provided consultancy services to the development teams during design and prototyping phases for air traffic control workstations. I have thus been involved in the development of several air control centers.

Since 2001: Usability Consulting

In 2001, I found Usabilis: a consulting agency dedicated to usability. I am working with management staffs during the design phase of their web site, or other interactive product based on software, in order to insure that the proposed services efficiently answer to the users needs and demands.

In parallel, I am providing courses about Software Usability and Web Design at Paris Dauphine University, INT (Telecom National Institute Engineering school), ENST (Telecom Paris Tech Engineering school) and Supélec (Electrical and Computer Engineering school).

These activities gave me the opportunity to daily practise usability in an industrial context. It allows me to implement the methods and the recommendations you will find in this site and in my book.

Usability consulting services provided by Usabilis (in French)