Inspection-Based Evaluations

Abstract

Usability inspection methods (UIMs) remain an important discount method for usability evaluation. They can be applied to any designed artefact during development: a paper prototype, a storyboard, a working prototype (e.g., in Macromedia Flash™ or in Microsoft PowerPoint™), tested production software, or an installed public release. They are analytical evaluation methods, which involve no typical end users, unlike empirical methods such as user testing. UIMs only require availability of a designed artefact and trained analysts. Thus, evaluation is possible with low resources (hence discount methods). Although risks arise from low resources, well-informed practices disproportionately improve analyst performance, improving cost-benefit ratios. This chapter introduces UIMs, covering six and one further method, and provides approaches to assessing existing, emerging and future UIMs and their effective uses.

Empirical validation of a usability inspection method for model-driven Web development

“…Since the late 1980s, usability inspection methods have emerged as a cost-effective alternative to empirical methods for identifying usability problems [Cockton et al 2003]. In this context, several inspection methods (e.g., Heuristic Evaluation, Cognitive Walkthrough) were proposed by usability experts from the HumanComputer Interaction (HCI) field.…”

Anticiper et évaluer l'utilité dans la conception ergonomique des technologies émergentes : une revue

“…Par exemple, les méthodes d'inspection consistent en une analyse exhaustive de l'ensemble du logiciel et un examen de l'interface par un concepteur (Nielsen & Mack, 1994 ;Virzi, 1997 ;Baccino, Bellino & Colombi, 2005 ;Cockton, Woolrych & Lavery, 2008). Cet examen se fait au regard des spéci cations dont l'adéquation aux besoins fonctionnels et non-fonctionnels des utilisateurs dépend en grande partie des méthodes d'analyse et des acteurs impliqués dans leur énoncé a priori.…”

Utilizing sensors networks to develop a smart and context-aware solution for people with disabilities at the workplace (design and implementation)

“…In the early 1990s, the inspection approaches were partially borrowed by the usability experts and judgments for evaluating the hardware and software usability. 56 Recently, Wilson 57 has described different inspection methods such as the heuristic evaluation, individual expert review, perspective-based user interface inspection, cognitive walkthrough, pluralistic walkthrough, and formal usability inspection. It is always better to assess any technological solution using some welldefined criteria rather than an individual's opinion.…”