The first meeting of the UPA North took place on Wednesday 2^nd February in Manchester and was attended by over 30 people. There was a huge diversity in expertise as represented by job roles. Usability consultants, tech writers, product managers, info architects, graphic designers, professors and project managers from companies such as Sony, Orange, Egg, Unilever, Inland Revenue, Reading Room, Manchester University, had travelled from Leeds, Sheffield, Chester and Manchester to make the event.

Ian Janes from Eyetracker provided a demonstration of eyetracking and the group saw some of the new technologies that are now available to execute this technique. Fascinating stuff, and a quantum jump on from the head mounted metal jaw clamped stuff available five years ago! 

Dave Hawdale then spoke about a 'big, inclusive, and innovative' usability and his belief that the times are changing for usability professionals. Following this, Andrew Swartz persuaded the group to do a session of 'shameless self promotion', which broke any remaining ice.

Traditionally, as these events demand, the meeting moved on to the pub, but as Barca was shut we had no chance of catching a glimpse of the young Ronaldo, and had to move on to Dukes 92 for a chat and network.

For details of the next event visit the UPA North website.

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