Week 1 - Technology Usability Flashcards
What is usability?
The degree to which something is able or fit to be used
What is the LEAF criteria?
L - learnability (users must be able to learn to use the system after a certain amount of training)
E - Effectiveness (use of a system in a number of environments, within a certain time, and within error limits)
A - Attitude - (positive attitudes towards using the system and levels of tiredness or discomfort are kept to a minimum)
F - Flexibility (user performance must not degrade beyond a certain limit across tasks and environments)
Does the concept of usefulness need to be incorporated into the definition of usability?
Yes
What are the 5 frameworks for usability?
1) Efficient to use
2) Easy to learn
3) Easy to remember
4) Few errors
5) Subjectively pleasing
What is system potential?
Achieving optimal performance
The optimal level of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction that is possible (the upper limit of experiences user performance)
What is reusability?
Level of performance after non use
The effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction with which the specified users can achieve specified tasks with a particular product after a comparatively long period away from these tasks (decrement in performance)
What is the link between usability and emotions?
Emotions associated with the products
Product properties that influenced the level of pleasure/displeasure
What makes technology useable? (the 5 E’s)
Effective - Is the completeness and accuracy with which users achieve specified goals
Efficient - Can be described as the speed (with accuracy) in which users can complete the tasks for which they use the product
Engaging - Is how pleasant, satisfying, or interesting the piece is
Error tolerant - Involves how well the product prevents errors and helps users recover from any errors that do occur
Easy to learn - Concerns how well the product supports both initial orientation and deeper learning
What are some important user issues?
1) Personality differences (resilience, perseverance, openness)
2) Cultural and environmental diversity (user end goals, importance, permissions)
3) Users with disabilities (physical, perceptual, cognitive)
4) Senior citizens and children (physical, perceptual, cognitive)
5) Physical abilities, physical workspace (Physical properties such as being strong enough to carry something, location and how far that person would need to carry it)
6) Cognitive and perceptual abilities (memory, problem solving, motivation)
What are some examples of cognitive and perceptual determinants of usability?
1) Leaning, skill development
2) Ways of problem solving and reasoning
3) Memory limitations
4) Language communication and comprehension (understanding instructions)
5) Attentional capacity limitations
