Usability and Security in User Interface Design: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract-Systems carry sensitive data where users are involved. There is need for security concern for the modern software applications. We can term them as 'untrusted clients'. Internet usage has rapidly grown over the years and, more users are opening their information system to their clientele, it is essential to understand users' data that need protecting and to control system access as well and the rights of users of the system. Because of today's increasingly nomadic lifestyle, where they allow users to connect to information systems from anywhere with all the devices in the market, the users need to carry part of the information system out of the secure infrastructure. Insecurity in user interfaces is caused by user ignoring functionalities in the system where some are not only a threat but can harm the system e.g. leaving network services active even though the user does not need them, or when a user is having little or no information of the available security measures. This research paper aims critically address through a review of existing literature, the importance of balance or trade-off between usability and the security of the system. Systematic review method involved a physical exploration of some conference proceedings and journals to conduct the literature review. Research questions relating to usability and security were asked and the criteria for usability and security evaluations were identified. This systematic literature review is valuable in closing the gap between usability and security in software development process, where usability and security engineering needs to be considered for a better quality end-user software.

Developing and Implementation of Research Grant Management System for Research Office, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

“…The results presented in Table 2 show that the most of response were strongly agreed and agreed for the questions related with the similar appearance of font type and size use all over the application, colors and style guide of the product confirm the specification, input fields are of proper size, all icons are designed in one style, navigation is intuitively clear, tool tips for unknown fields in UI, good security, and help Users recognize, diagnose and recover from errors with mean values 4.6, 4.7, 4.2, 4.9, 4.8, 4.6, 4.2 and 4.8 respectively. This finding is in agreement to [31] who stated that usability and security must be considered in a manner which allows users to make suggestions to the developers on interface design they find comfortable so that they can enjoy the user interfaces and securely use the information systems.…”

Building a Template for Intuitive Virtual E-Commerce Shopping Site in India

“…Usability of the system may enhance by adding intuitive security mechanism. Security in systems is an assurance to the user, gives them a right to a system's access to information by putting up authentication and control mechanisms making sure the users of these systems are the only ones that have been granted acceptable rights [9].Requirement Engineering and User Experience Design together make available the comprehended user requirements to product development team for successful implementation of usable product in all aspect [10]. Consider user experience and ease of access to accommodate as many users as possible regardless of user skills.…”

Usability meets security: a database case study

“…M ihajlov et al [22] pointed out that many studies simply illustrate security and usability shortcomings [13]. M ockel [23] explained that current usability evaluation does not adequately account for the unique essence of shielded usages and different systems.…”

“…These two approaches appear to have a strictly comparable security level, so by approaching user education with mnemonic passwords, we obtain obvious enhancement in security. Various types of dependency exist between usability and security [12][13][14]. Sometimes, the more usable approach can result in more secure systems if the system applicants do not make incorrect judgments.…”

“…In recent years, usable security studies have simultaneously considered knowledge from various areas. Although security research does benefit from user behavior research, this approach is limited by comparing the pros and cons of security versus system usage [12][13][14]. In this paper, we discuss how security can meet usability in popular application systems within a database.…”