Usability: NY Times

On the New York Times website www.nytimes.com, while reading an article when someone double-clicks a word a new window, containing the search results for the word, opens. The search includes results from a Dictionary, Thesaurus, and Wordnet.

Many a times while reading one encounters new words. When reading a book, I usually open a dictionary to research the word. While reading online I tend to copy the word and do one of the following
1. Google search for synonyms (~) or definitions (define ) View more details on this at http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/features.html.
2. Use Dashboard Widget on my Mac to find the meaning of the word.
3. Visit dictionary.com and search for the word

On NY Times website, all one needs to do is double-click the word, which is incredibly easy. I checked a few more websites like LA Times and SF Chronicle, but they don't have this feature yet.

Usability: the series

Traditionally I am not a usability person, and I usually ignore small details. But lately I have realized that the small things go a long way in making a lasting impression. The logic is that if attention has been given to even the small details, then the bigger and more important aspects must definitely be solid.

I am starting a series of blogs, which will be marked as "Usability" in the title, and I will also tag them. I intend to delve more into this topic.