About Us

Our mission is to engineer safety into communication by making complex information clear, actionable, and aligned with how users behave under high-pressure work conditions.

Welcome to Usability Mapping Inc., a global communications and training consultancy headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We maintain leadership offices in Houston, USA; Vienna, Austria; and Perth, Australia.

Our trademarked methods — including PQA® (Promise Question Answer) and U-MAP IT® (Software) — are built on decades of human factor research. They are also built on applied experience across industries from mining and healthcare to aerospace and policy development.

What We Do

We specialize in engineering user documentation into UX-compliant outputs — delivering solutions that are measurable, testable, and effective. Outputs are available in print, on touchpads, or as audio.

Our work includes:

Usability Engineering Services: Engineering usability into user documents that reduce errors and improve safety.

Usability Mapping® Training: Hands-on courses to create UX-compliant, safe, and testable documents.

U-MAP IT® Software: Create UX compliant content into 3 outputs.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Mission
To engineer safety into communication by making complex information clear, actionable, and aligned with how users behave under high-pressure work conditions.

Vision
We envision a future where no operator, worker, or reader is expected to follow procedures that ignore the principles of human cognition.

Usability Mapping Inc. draw on 40+ years of scientific research in human cognition, learning, and behaviour. We use this research to deliver solutions that are practical, scalable, and measurable.

By bridging the gap between compliance and usability, we turn procedures into tools for clarity, safety, and performance.

Safety First
We prioritize solutions that reduce risk and protect lives.

Evidence-Based Practice
Our approach is rooted in cognitive science and supported by proven research.

Inclusivity
We believe diversity leads to better outcomes. We actively design inclusive processes and foster a culture where all voices are heard and respected.

Continuous Improvement
We actively refine our methods to meet evolving real-world needs.

Our Story

How It Started

The mission was sparked by a critical work incident. This event inspired Klaus Hofer, a corporate psychologist, to improve workplace safety.

How We’ve Grown

We trace our roots to CAT-i (Communications and Training International), established by Klaus in 1989 in Toronto, Ontario. The company was renamed Usability Mapping in 2019.

Since then, we’ve grown steadily. We launched our wholly owned subsidiary, CAT-i Australia, and developed certified training programs that support safer and more effective operations.

Global Presence

Today, we serve clients worldwide across high-risk industries. We continuously evolve our usability engineering methods to reduce errors and enhance compliance.

Meet Our Specialists

Usability Mapping Inc

Recognition & Affiliations

Our recognition includes UX Experience Knights, internationally recognized leaders in usability and human factors design.

We proudly maintain affiliations with the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), and the National Safety Council (NSC) to ensure ongoing alignment with industry best practices and professional standards.

The Annual UX Experience Knight ceremony held every October at Schlossberg Restaurant, co-owned by Helmut Marko (Red Bull and F1 Executive). — *The Annual UX Experience Knight ceremony is held every October at Schlossberg Restaurant*.

UX Knight Awards

UX Knight Awards at World Usability Congress honour leaders in user experience who embody vision, advocacy, and community-building.

Selected annually, they are recognized for outstanding contributions and commitment to advancing UX globally.

These recognized experts:

Network with UX designers and specialists

Advance UX education and innovation

Champion UX solutions across industries

Engage actively with the conference community

Advocate for UX with clarity and passion

Klaus Hofer, Founder and CEO of Usability Mapping

Klaus Hofer – CEO, Usability Mapping
UX Knight Award, Graz, October 2022

Verena Seibert-Giller, Verena is CSO (Chief Science Officer)

Verena Seibert-Giller – CSO, Usability Mapping
UX Knight Award, Graz, October 2024