Kirk St.Amant, who holds the Eunice C. Williamson Endowed Chair of Technical Communication at Louisiana Tech University, delivered the keynote address at the 2026 MEGAComm conference. His presentation, titled “Understanding the Usability Economy (Re)Positioning Technical Communication for Today’s Marketplace,” examined how usability—the ease with which products can be used efficiently—plays a critical role in organizational success in today’s market.
During his talk, St.Amant emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior and mental models in developing and designing successful products. He highlighted that recognizing how people think and act is essential for creating effective user experiences.
MEGAComm is an international annual event focused on communication, usability, and design. The 2026 edition marked its 20th anniversary and brought together speakers and participants from various countries to discuss topics such as effective communication practices across industries, managing complex information in modern economies, and the growing influence of technology—including artificial intelligence—in workplace activities.
“It’s a dynamic and interactive event,” St.Amant explained, “and it provides attendees with an incredible opportunity to learn from internationally recognized experts across a range of countries and industries.”
St.Amant is also known for his research on how mental models influence individuals’ understanding and use of products ranging from instruction manuals to software interfaces. He teaches courses on usability and design, health and medical communication, and technical writing at Louisiana Tech University.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, St.Amant directs Louisiana Tech’s Center for Health and Medical Communication. In this capacity, he has worked with organizations including the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Public Health Institute, and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center to create health communication materials designed to be easily understood by patients and their families.
