Usability recognised in UKUPA Awards 2005

World Usability Day was held on 3rd November and as part of the event, the UK Usability Professionals' Association (UKUPA) announced its UKUPA 2005 Awards. A panel of 10 usability experts selected a shortlist of some of the most usable products and web sites in the UK, and these nominees were then voted on by the 300 strong membership of the UKUPA. The awards event was held at the London headquarters of sponsors Prudential and was hosted by the writer and presenter Bill Thompson. In line with the nature of the field, the usability awards event was less about tub-thumping and egos and more about encouragement, recognition of best practice, and a large amount of networking. A Usability Round Table, featuring usability leaders discussing key topics, was also hosted on the night. Details of the winners, and sponsors, of the usability awards are presented below. Additional sponsorship was provided by the publishing house New Riders.

• Award: Best Website for finding information
  Sponsor: Amberlight Partners
  Winner: GoogleLocal (GoogleMaps interface)
  Finalists: Allmusic, Guardian Unlimited
• Award: Best Website for communication between users
  Sponsor: Prudential
  Winner: Flickr
  Finalists: GoogleMail, MSN Messenger
• Award: Best Website for online communication
  Sponsor: Foolproof
  Winner: JohnLewis.com
  Finalists: Skyscanner, Abebooks
• Award: Best software application
  Sponsor: Foviance
  Winner: Firefox
  Finalists: iTunes, Google Desktop Search
• Award: Best consumer product
  Sponsor: Flow Interaction
  Winner: iPod clickwheel interface
  Finalists: Nintendo DS, BT big button phone
• Award: Best specialised / public technology
  Sponsor: Nomensa
  Winner: BA Self Service Check-in Kiosk
  Finalists: BBCi, Nationwide's ATMs

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