About Koester Performance Research
Koester Performance Research is interested in all aspects of the interaction between people and technology, with an emphasis on the needs of people who have disabilities. We work to enhance the usability and accessibility of information and assistive technologies through research, development, and education. We pursue this work through a combination of KPR-initiated projects and consultations with others on usability and research design.
Our research expertise includes usability research, to assess how well a particular system or technology is working for its users, and user performance modeling, to help improve the “fit” between a user and technology. KPR scientists evaluate usability in a variety of ways, including user surveys, observational field studies, and scientific protocols. User performance models attempt to understand usability at a deeper level, by examining the influence of specific user and system characteristics.
In our development work, we design and build software that helps clinical professionals meet their clients’ needs more effectively, as well as computer interfaces for users who have disabilities. A key principle guiding development is a user-centered design approach, in which we continuously assess users’ needs and measure how well our design is meeting those needs.
Koester Performance Research was founded in 1996 by Heidi Horstmann Koester, Ph.D. The company is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We strive to run our business in a way that supports a sustainable environment and a healthy society. We are pleased to support charitable and non-profit community projects and work to express a spirit of generosity in all of our endeavors.