3 min
Has Work Changed Forever?
The world has changed as a result of COVID-19 and social distancing. The new question emerging is not so much "how will we return to work?", but rather "how has work changed forever?"
Articles
8 min
Blink’s Protocols and Procedures For 2020 COVID-19 Restrictions
In response to Washington State’s November 15th new Phase 2 restrictions and guidelines, Blink has revisited our health and safety protocols and evaluated the in-person research lab studies that are currently in progress.
4 min
The Future of the Drive-Thru
As demand for the drive-thru continues to grow and the restaurant industry revamps their dining options, what does the next generation of the drive-thru experience hold?
5 min
How to Make the Most of a Remote Design Internship
When I accepted a remote internship at Blink this past spring, we were all well into national stay-at-home orders. I began to wonder what working from home every day would be like and how long this style of work might last far beyond my new internship. Now, wrapping up my time at Blink, I realize this experience was the best crash course in preparing for what the modern workplace is to become.
3 min
A Quick Guide to Experience Prototypes
Learn the benefits of high- and low-fidelity prototypes and how they can help you get the most out of your user research.
3 min
When and Why To Start a Hardware User Research Program (White Paper)
Read "When and Why To Start a Hardware User Research Program" to learn how hardware user research can help you create an inclusive, commercially successful product that people use, love, and remember.
8 min
9 Reasons To Conduct Hardware UX Research Right Now
Chief Research Officer John Dirks explains why you should conduct hardware UX research early and often.
8 min
What to Know Before Starting Hardware User Research
Blink is unique for applying our user research processes and approaches to both hardware and digital experiences. Some of the most complex and engaging digital experiences go hand in hand with specific hardware, and some of the most exciting hardware is useless without a visionary digital experience.
1 min
Art Inspired by Science Submissions
Blink is hosting a gallery show featuring artwork by high school students that is inspired by science. NASA Chief Scientist, Dr. Green will hand out awards to the top 5 submissions.
4 min
Blink’s Coronavirus Update (COVID-19)
We have set up a Blink task force, including a dozen members of Blink’s leadership team, which meets daily to review the most recent health information and determine communication strategies so that everyone inside and outside of our company receives accurate and timely information.
4 min
Blinker Health & Well-Being
Below is a message from Linda and me, and we’re also speaking on behalf of the Blink leadership team.
9 min
When Remote Research is the Best Choice (and How to Do it Right)
What do we mean by remote research? When is remote research the right choice? What are some tips for dealing with the challenges that come along with this approach?
1 min
NASA Science Talk
Listen and engage with NASA's Chief Scientist Dr. Jim Green speaking on a broad range of science and space topics at live at Blink or online. Date TBD.
2 min
Mobile Application Usability Testing
We are increasingly using smartphones, tablets, and music players in our work and lives, and there are hundreds of thousands of applications currently available for download. At Blink, we regularly conduct mobile application usability testing for different clients who are optimizing their websites for mobile use or designing new apps.
4 min
Workplace Culture: How to Make Hard Conversations Easier
Even people with considerable power — owners, CEOs, board chairs — are often reluctant to have the tough talks that are required for them to achieve the outcomes they desire.
4 min
How Your Brain's Hardwiring Can Help Inform & Influence a Career Path
Nature and nurture are both critical to your career path, and so at Blink, we focus on both of these in our employee development.
5 min
How to Improve Creativity and Performance by Optimizing Your Brain
The human brain is not wired to have an "on" and "off" switch for work and play—and operating as if it were will deplete one’s energy and creativity.
1 min
Karen Clark Cole Returns to Mike Adams About Money Radio
Karen talks to Mike Adams, host of About Money Radio, about how Blink has grown since she was last on the show, and why user experience research is still an important part of designing a website, product or service.
0 min
Startup Grind & Fresh Brewed Tech: Karen Clark Cole Interview
On August 6, 2019, Karen Clark Cole was interviewed live on stage by Rachel Gauvin for a Startup Grind San Diego. The interview aired on the Fresh Brewed Tech podcast "Tacos & Tech"
65 min
Walk with Your Head Up: Podcast Series Interview With Karen Clark Cole
On August 7, 2019, our CEO and co-founder Karen Clark Cole was interviewed by Patricia Kathleen on her podcast.
4 min
Photo Tour of Our UX Design Studio and User Research Labs in San Diego
We recently finished construction of two usability labs in San Diego. Take a photo tour of our studio which is located in the heart of East Village just a few blocks from PETCO Park.
5 min
Five Tips for Designing Better Conversational Interfaces
From chatbots to intelligent assistants, conversation interfaces are changing the way that people interact with their computers, and designers have a unique opportunity to shape this medium at the ground level. Like all emerging tech, best practices are still being developed, but here at Blink we’ve had the opportunity to design a few of our own and learned a lot along the way.
17 min
Object Modeling for Designers: An Introduction
As a user experience designer, it can feel as though I am waging an on-going, never-ending battle against complexity, especially when working on enterprise systems. A popular route to simplify an experience is to implement a design system. Design systems are essential, but what I hope to show in this article is that a design system alone — particularly if it’s primarily a component level design system — does not guarantee a simple, consistent experience.
2 min
Redshift Digital Joins Blink for a Golden Gate Future
It is with great anticipation and excitement that I announce that the well-known, high-end, wildly creative, and super fun San Francisco UX studio, Redshift is joining forces with Blink!