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Usability Definition and Components
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Let's dive into the definition of usability according to ISO 9241-11. Who can tell me what usability means?
Is usability about how easy something is to use?
Exactly! Usability is about users being able to effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily achieve their goals. Effective use means completing tasks correctly. Who can tell me what efficiency entails?
Efficiency is how much effort users spend to complete their tasks, right?
Spot on! Lastly, satisfaction refers to how pleasant the user experience is. Remember EES: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Satisfaction. Can anyone tell me why context of use is important?
Because different users will have different experiences based on their backgrounds and environments?
Thatβs correct! Context can greatly influence usability.
To summarize, usability consists of effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and context of use.
Business Benefits of Usability Engineering
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How does investing in usability engineering benefit organizations? Let's explore these benefits.
Does it help reduce training costs?
Yes, intuitive systems require less training. What else?
Increased productivity and efficiency?
Exactly! With faster task completion, we see huger output. And fewer usability problems mean what for support costs?
Lower support costs because there are fewer issues to resolve.
Well said! Furthermore, when users are satisfied, they'll be more likely to accept and adopt the system. Overall, usability enhances product quality and builds trust in the brand.
In summary, the business case for usability engineering includes reduced costs, increased efficiency, improved user acceptance, and enhanced brand reputation.
Core Activities of Usability Engineering
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Now, let's discuss the key activities in the usability engineering process. Can anyone name one of them?
User and task analysis?
Correct! And this involves understanding user goals and current task performance. Whatβs next?
Usability requirements specification?
Exactly! This step translates user needs into measurable usability targets. Why is prototyping important?
It allows us to create designs and test them before the final product.
Exactly right! Prototyping leads us into usability testing and then to iteration and refinement. What do we do in each step?
You evaluate feedback and improve the design.
Correct! To summarize, the core activities are user analysis, requirements specification, design, prototyping, usability evaluation, and iteration.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section discusses the importance of usability engineering, which integrates human factors into the development process to enhance user experience. Key components include the definition of usability, the business benefits of usability engineering, and the core activities involved in the usability engineering process.
Detailed
Usability Engineering Scope
Usability engineering is a vital domain focused on enhancing user experiences in software systems. It is centered around understanding how users interact with technology and aims to make systems intuitive, efficient, and satisfying to utilize. The ISO 9241-11 standard defines usability as the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which specified users can achieve tasks in a particular context.
Key Components of Usability:
- Effectiveness: Users' ability to accurately achieve their tasks.
- Efficiency: Resources expended in completing tasks.
- Satisfaction: Users' subjective feelings about the experience.
- Context of Use: Recognizes that the effectiveness of a system varies among different users and environments.
Business Case for Usability Engineering:
Investing in usability has substantial organizational benefits:
- Reduced training costs
- Increased productivity
- Decreased support costs
- Improved user acceptance and satisfaction
- Enhanced product quality and brand reputation
- Competitive advantages in the market
Core Activities Include:
- User and task analysis
- Usability requirements specification
- Design and prototyping
- Usability evaluation/testing
- Iteration and refinement
Ultimately, usability engineering is a continuous process crucial for developing systems that prioritize human needs and enhance overall user experience.
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Horizontal Prototypes (Breadth)
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Chapter Content
β Horizontal Prototypes (Breadth): Focus on showing a wide range of features but with limited depth. They demonstrate the overall flow and navigation of the system. Useful for exploring different functional areas.
Detailed Explanation
Horizontal prototypes are used in the early stages of design to show a broad set of features of a system rather than concentrating on detailed functionality. These prototypes allow designers to present the general layout and flow of an application. They help stakeholders visualize how different sections of the system interact and can be useful for early discussions about design and user experience.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine planning a new theme park. A horizontal prototype would be like a general map that shows the layout of the park, including different areas like rides, food stalls, and rest areas. You can see how everything is connected and assess the visitor flow but without going into details about specific attractions.
Vertical Prototypes (Depth)
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Chapter Content
β Vertical Prototypes (Depth): Focus on a limited set of features but implement them in great detail. Useful for deep dives into critical or complex functionalities.
Detailed Explanation
Vertical prototypes concentrate on implementing specific features of a system in great detail. This approach allows designers to test and refine complex functionalities or critical aspects of the user interface. By focusing deeply on a few features, developers can gather detailed user feedback and work on optimizing those areas before expanding to other aspects of the system.
Examples & Analogies
Continuing with the theme park analogy, a vertical prototype would be like building a detailed model of one specific ride, showcasing every aspect of that ride β from the design of the cars to the safety protocols in place. This allows for an in-depth examination of that particular feature, ensuring it meets safety and enjoyment standards before the entire park is constructed.
Key Concepts
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Usability Engineering: Integrating user-centric design in system development processes.
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ISO 9241-11: Standard that defines usability components.
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Business Benefits: Enhanced productivity, reduced costs, and improved user satisfaction lead to a competitive advantage.
Examples & Applications
An e-commerce website measuring effectiveness by tracking the successful completion rate of purchases.
A mobile app design subjected to usability testing results in lower error rates and improved user satisfaction.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Usability is key, make it easy as can be, effectiveness and speed, lead to userβs need.
Stories
Imagine a treasure map where each landmark signifies a usability component; when users reach the destination with ease, they find satisfaction.
Memory Tools
Remember 'EES-CU' for Usability: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Satisfaction, Context of Use.
Acronyms
Use 'CUE' to remember
Context
Usability
Effectiveness.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Usability Engineering
A discipline that integrates human factors into the system development lifecycle to enhance ease of learning, efficiency, and satisfaction for users.
- Effectiveness
The accuracy and completeness with which users achieve their goals.
- Efficiency
The resources expended relative to the accuracy and completeness of task achievement.
- Satisfaction
The user's feelings and attitudes toward using a product.
- Context of Use
The specific users, their tasks, tools, and environment that influence usability.
Reference links
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