Framework for a Concurrent Usability Evaluation Method Simplified and Yet Inclusive

Abstract

The selection and application of the most effective usability evaluation method for today's digital products which is functionally more complicated and obscure in meanings than ever is still on dispute. Scores of usability evaluation techniques have been devised to clearly depict operational and cognitive flaws, but not any of them independently seems to cover all the major aspects of a product. Evaluators typically tend to adopt a series of three to four evaluation methods to define one single problem that exists in product interface, which can be very time-consuming. The spontaneous selection of evaluation methods can produce prejudiced interpretation of the whole processes. The evaluator*s preferences and personal experiences can distort the evaluation process since there are no absolute standards to which we select appropriate combination of methods.

This research suggests potential for the creation of a new way of evaluating the usability of digital gadgets that effectively eliminates personal preferences and that's virtually economical while managing nearly all their aspects by and large. This new method is based on the three major factors of product usability derived from a statement made by ISO: Satisfaction, Effectiveness and Efficiency. These three factors are used as the initial criteria that the evaluation techniques have to respectively meet at the onset stage. These usability factors are further processed to find the three individual usability evaluation techniques that's respectively relevant to the three factors. The three techniques designated respectively to specific usability factors are executed at one attempt by comprising all these in a compact table, comparatively less cluttered and more comprehensible.

The evaluation table effectively connects certain subjective comments or complaints to specific operation steps or even to specific function areas of the tested product since all of the performance ratings with pros and cons are sequentially laid out following the order of task-execution steps. This should be an improved evaluating model which lets designers address interface problems more quickly and more precisely. It also helps designers apply guidelines to their designs more effectively.