Usability {usability} involves information, objects, and results. People and computers use data, object and part definitions, and instructions about procedures. Objects receive information from an object, transform received information into new sendable information, or send information to another object, and all three steps are a work task. Results are goals of a person, achievable by processing information in the system and the user.
Work flows have bottlenecks, where processes slow and inventory piles up. Businesses concentrate resources on improving bottlenecks, typically user interface (UI) design of tools and menus. Tasks must be relevant to goals and relatively easy to perform and understand.
Work items are analyzed for relevance, speed and ease of search and transfer, ease of understanding, and possibilities of mistakes. Users perform relevant tasks with more attention and good will. Understanding is better if all terms defined, steps read easily, necessary preconditions noted, branches noted, procedure accurate and tested, and steps presented one at a time. Speed is better if fewer steps, less data, fewer branches, fewer decisions, and fewer clicks.
Businesses typically reallocate work items from human objects to inanimate objects to reduce information burdens on users. Systems can guide users to information by directed search, using context-sensitive help and dialog-box help. Systems display only the most needed information. Distinctive locators include pop-up help, labels, and grouped menu items and interface objects. Wizards and coaches present a defined way of working.
usability testing
Test usability on typical user tasks by focus groups and protocol capture. Identify users' goals, current knowledge, and steps of learning to use product. Qualify users as new or existing and by knowledge level. Measure task times, successes, and errors, and user fatigue, confusion, frustration, and satisfaction.
Mathematical Sciences>Computer Science>Software
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Date Modified: 2022.0224