[donal]

The problem isn't with Nielsen's recommendations, it is his methods. He presents his findings as being based on scientific research, but unfortunately his methods are deceitful.

Have you ever seen the infomercial for "Dual Action Cleanse" with Klee Irwin? Irwin and Nielsen use very similar methods. The make claims that pass the common sense test, then they use something resembling science to "prove" that they are spouting fact. They are both trying to sell you something, Nielsen has just found a much more profitable customer.

I imagine selling super-laxatives to homebodies and the sleep deprived isn't anywhere as lucrative to selling consulting services to businessmen.

The problem with Nielsen is his "research" is dangerous to the field of HCI and usability. Anybody that uses his "findings" to support their own research is building a house on a broken foundation.

For his business clients this "academic navel gazing" doesn't matter, they probably see the results they were looking for (since he already told them exactly what to look for). Irwin's customers probably get the results they were after too, and whether or not the FDA monitors the claims made by "herbal supplements" probably doesn't bother them much either.