Cross-Platform Usability Model Evaluation

Abstract

It is becoming common for several devices to be utilised together to access and manipulate shared information spaces and migrate tasks between devices. Despite the increased worldwide use of cross-platform services, there is limited research into how cross-platform service usability can be assessed. This paper presents a novel cross-platform usability model. The model employs the think-aloud protocol, observations, and questionnaires to reveal cross-platform usability problems. Two Likert scales were developed for measuring overall user satisfaction of cross-platform usability and user satisfaction with the seamlessness of the transition between one device and another. The paper further employs a series of objective measures for the proposed model. The viability and performance of the model were examined in the context of evaluating three cross-platform services across three devices. The results demonstrate that the model is a valuable method for assessing and quantifying cross-platform usability. The findings were thoroughly analysed and discussed, and subsequently used to refine the model. The model was also evaluated by eight user experience experts and seven out of the eight agreed that it is useful.

Predicting Mobile Cross-Platform Adaptation Using a Hybrid Sem–ANN Approach

“…Other terms include "distributed user interface (DUI)" [22,23] and "multiple platform user interface" [24,25]. The term "cross-platform service" is used by Majrashi et al [5] who define "cross-platform" as a set of user interfaces for a single service on diverse computational platforms.…”

“…These issues include the challenges and opportunities of designing an interactive cross-platform [26,27]; terminologies and trends in cross-devices [25,28]; designing the development of multi-application and users' interface experience [29][30][31][32]; and evaluation and comparison of crossplatform mobile applications and tools [33,34]. Limited studies have explored and assessed crossplatform user experiences [5,10,14,35]. Most of these studies have not conducted comprehensive user experience and perceptions testing.…”

“…In addition, different data analysis techniques were used in cross-platform mobile literature. For example, Majrashi et al [5] analysed measures to test user satisfaction of cross-platform usability using think-aloud protocol and observations. Feng and Wei [14] used the AttrakDiff questionnaire method to evaluate the user experience of the app on iOS and Android platforms.…”

“…In addition, a major shift is occurring regarding valuing the experiences of users and adaptation and investing more to make user experiences much more effective through using sustainable applications and programs [3]. However, despite growing interest in industry and academia, research is still lacking on improving and designing the user experience, [4,5]. On the other hand, companies are beginning to adapt to users' versatile patterns by perceiving what is required in mobile applications.…”

“…Studies are lacking on comparisons of different mobile devices (e.g., Android and iOS phones) in terms of user experience and adaptation. Furthermore, limited studies have addressed enhancement and user testing of user experience for mobile devices [5,10]. Therefore, the current study seeks to fill this gap, aiming to examine the main factors that help to create a sustainable user experience through the most common cross-platforms, namely, Flutter and React Native.…”