We continue to work out our methodology for what we’re calling the ‘user experience quotient’ which measures both the emotional appeal and the practical nature of an experience. Emotional appeal asks “do you like it? how easy it is to learn and use over time? how fun is it?” and practical appeal measures things like time per task, error tracking, utility and ease-of-use. Together, we feel a more comprehensive measure of the entire experience is possible - merging more contextual research and interviewing methods with straightforward usability over time. I LOVE the word “play” and might incorporate it into the testing process with your blessing!

Also, I see HTC just released the HTC Shift in the “sub notebook” category which I believe is the same as “ultra mobile” but perhaps in-between mobile and UMPC notebooks. It looks nice, but I’m sure an indication of what is next from Apple, which is a smaller, more capable and completely usable thin, pocketable and soon to be coveted item in the next Steve Jobs keynote 2008. At least that’s my dream - I (and many others) have been waiting and waiting for this time for many years now.

And I don’t think that attractiveness is an accident. The iPhone in particular has a vividness to it that’s only the latest in a line of recent design advances from the folks at Apple (remember OS X’s “lickable” interface?). From the little animation touches to the gorgeous, saturated, high-contrast graphics, Apple’s appealing not just to our inner efficiency expert, but also our inner child.

Maybe that’s part of the appeal of iPods, OS X and even the original Mac. Apple’s design aesthetic doesn’t just say “let’s work”, “let’s connect” or “let’s create” - it also says “let’s play.” That may be part of the reason some folks still find it hard to take Macs seriously in the workplace… but it’s also a big part of what makes using them so compelling and (if I can borrow the word!) addictive.

And congratulations on the arrival of your little girl — that’s just wonderful news.