A Heuristic Evaluation of Usability for Environmental Control Units’ Eye-Tracking Interfaces at Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Centers

Abstract

Heuristic evaluation is a valid method for assessing interface usability. Results derived from these methods are useful in identifying the most impactful design elements influencing usability and user experience of a system. By establishing the features in need of most improvement, designers can more effortful consider their approaches for iterative efforts to improve usability and user experience. This work used established design principles (i.e., Shneiderman’s Golden Rules and Nielsen’s Heuristics) to analyze the inpatient environmental control units deployed at VA Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D) Centers to assist with task completion, foster independence, and improve the quality of life in veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Analyses revealed many usability issues in the current interface, varying in severity from minor to catastrophic. Specific design recommendations to address these issues are provided.