We’re trying something new at PhiChi — a full-day workshop focused on UX design topics! Its being run by William Hudson of Syntagm design, a UK-based consulting firm. William has over 30 years experience designing interactive systems and has extensive speaking and writing credits to his name. The workshop is $350, a pretty reasonable price for a full day affair
(most cost closer to $800 in my experience). Check it out…

The other day I was surfing everyone’s favorite site for film factoids — IMDB — when I noticed a feature I had not seen before: The Daily Poll. This particular question was “What is the most underrated John Hughes Film?” (includes writing and directing). Now, as a child of the 80s, and because I was just kind of surfing around aimlessly, I figured I could spare 30 seconds to cast my vote (European Vacation — the most overlooked film in the series, but one that I always enjoyed more than the (dare I say it?) overrated Christmas Vacation) and to see what other people were saying.

I got to the poll page ok, but when I went to actually submit my vote, I was greeted with a page that said “Register (it’s free!) and make your vote count!” and had SEVEN fields to fill out… all just to vote in some dumb little poll. Needless to say, I didn’t bother to register (I later found out that I already had an account, btw), because frankly I wasn’t all that concerned with my voice being heard on this pressing issue.

It did get me thinking though… what is IMDB trying to do with this poll? Why does any site put up a poll?

Since IMDB requires registration, my assumption is that they are attempting to gather user information. In this case, however, this seems a bit misguided since it takes much longer to register than to answer the question, and it is doubtful many people would register just to find out whether the world thinks Pretty in Pink is more underrated than Sixteen Candles.

Were I to put a poll on this blog, it would be for two reasons — to judge how engaged people are in the content of the site (polls take much less effort than comments, but they do show people are paying a bit of attention) and to provide something fun or interesting to enhance the site experience. I would never, however, require any sort of registration for this, because it would hinder, not help, the goals I just stated.

Have you used a poll? Why? What benefits did you see?

Apologies in advance to the Comcast folks who read this blog, but I am fed up with Comcast.com!

One feature I find to be especially ridiculous is that you have to chat with a representative just to place an order. I tried to order their $5 a month digital sports package online, and instead of just being able to place the order through the web checkout, they redirect you to live chat to set up an appointment (not needed for what I was ordering) and to confirm identity.

OK, I understand the need for security — the site I work for does a heck of a lot more online business than comcast.com, but overkill is overkill (John Ferrara where are you?). When security encroaches so much on the user experience of the site, I must ask — is this the only way to safely protect people? Is putting the valued customer through all this garbage really worthwhile? Is there a better way to handle this so that customers are happy and security is preserved?

I can’t think of any other eCom sites that require chatting with a representative to complete a transaction. And that includes my bank. Furthermore, how can someone steal another’s identity by adding $5 a month to their cable service? Comcast provided me with no information that I could have used if I was fradulent. Worst case scenario — I contact them once I get my bill asking why this new service was added. Not exactly a MasterCard commercial.

(Oh, and the security certificate had expired, making it nearly impossible for me to submit this feedback to them. Embarassing!)