In Palm Beach County a procedure known as usability testing could have demonstrated the extent of the problem before the butterfly ballot was finalized and alerted officials to the need for changes to the ballot. In a usability test, volunteers simulate the actions of voters. Volunteers selected on such factors as age, gender, and educational level fill out ballots in various ways while usability specialists observe through one-way mirrors or video. Problems then can be noted and the ballot redesigned and re-tested. The UPA believes that appropriate usability procedures should be part of every election and other high-stakes government activities.
Members are specialists in evaluating and designing products that are easy to learn and use.
Many usability professionals hold advanced degrees or training in psychology and related fields. The organization provides its members with a wide variety of professional services. Julie Nowicki, President of Optavia Corporation, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Usability Professionals' Association. The company's customer-centered usability evaluation and web design services benefit clients nationwide by improving customer interactions online. Optavia's services promote superior usability and accessibility for client sites, helping more of the client's customers succeed more of the time.