Usability Evaluation Methods Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is usability evaluation?
A process to gather information about the usability of a system to improve or assess it.
What is an evaluation method?
A procedure for collecting relevant data about the operation and usability of a system.
Why is usability evaluation important?
To determine how well a design performs in supporting users and tasks.
What are the 3 goals of evaluation?
1) Assess system functionality, 2) Assess interface impact on users, 3) Identify design problems.
What are 4 key considerations for selecting evaluation approaches?
User characteristics, user activities, study environment, and nature of the artefact.
What is the ‘trunk test’?
A usability test where users should quickly identify their location and options on a website.
Why is testing on yourself a mistake?
You are not a typical user and may miss usability issues others will encounter.
When should evaluation occur in the design cycle?
Early and iteratively, especially during decision points (formative evaluation).
What are the three main forms of usability evaluation?
Analytical testing, abstract testing, and empirical (user) testing.
What is heuristic evaluation?
Experts evaluate a UI against established heuristics to find usability problems.
What is cognitive walkthrough?
An expert simulates a user completing tasks to identify potential usability issues.
What are common heuristics in evaluation?
Visibility, match with real world, user control, consistency, error prevention, recognition.
What is the severity matrix?
A chart that rates usability problems by frequency and impact to prioritize fixes.
How many evaluators are needed in heuristic evaluation?
5 evaluators typically find around 75% of usability problems.
What are the 4 questions used in cognitive walkthroughs?
1) Will user achieve right outcome? 2) Notice correct action? 3) Associate action with outcome? 4) Know action worked?
What is a limitation of expert reviews?
They may miss major issues and rely on expert bias; should be combined with empirical testing.
What are some empirical user testing methods?
Observation, think-aloud protocols, software logging, and interviews.
Why is think-aloud useful?
It provides insight into user thoughts during task performance.
What is the Hawthorne effect in usability testing?
Users change behavior because they know they are being observed.
What is ‘discount usability engineering’?
Quick and low-cost evaluation methods like heuristic review on paper prototypes.
