Web usability inspection technique based on design perspectives

Abstract

Resumo. Este artigo apresenta uma técnica de inspeção de usabilidade (WDP -Web Design Perspectives-Based Usability Evaluation) e a metodologia experimental utilizada como base para seu desenvolvimento e aprimoramento. Até o presente momento foram executados três estudos experimentais (um secundário e dois primários) que levaram à versão atual da técnica WDP. Resultados indicam que a técnica é viável e que é possivelmente mais efetiva e tão eficiente quanto a Avaliação Heurística proposta por Nielsen. Abstract. This work describes a usability inspection technique (WDP -WebDesign Perspectives-Based Usability Evaluation) as well as the experimentation methodology followed to support its development and improvement. At this point in time, three experimental studies (one secondary and two primaries) were carried out and led to the WDP's current version. Results indicate the feasibility of the WDP technique and its possibility to be more effective than and as efficient as Nielsen's Heuristics Evaluation.

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

“…− HE has provided useful results when used to conduct Web usability evaluations [Sutcliffe 2002;Allen et al 2006;Ssemugabi and De Villiers 2007]. − HE has often been used for comparison with other inspection methods [Costabile and Matera 2001;Chattratichart and Brodie 2004;Conte et al 2009]. − No usability evaluation method has been previously defined for application in model-driven Web development processes.…”

“…In particular, we employed the Effectiveness and Efficiency measures as suggested by Hartson et al [2000] for formative evaluations (i.e., usability evaluations during the Web development process). These measures have also been employed in similar empirical studies [Conte et al 2009]. In addition, the subjective measures employed were Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Satisfaction of Use, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) [Davis 1989], a well-known and thoroughly validated model for evaluating information technologies.…”

Using an empirical study to evaluate the feasibility of a new usability inspection technique for paper based prototypes of web applications

“…Therefore, we have designed and executed a feasibility study to verify if the Web DUE technique is feasible regarding the number of detected defects and the time spent. In this study we compared the Web DUE technique with the WDP technique (Conte et al, 2009). Despite the fact that the WDP is not a technique for the evaluation of paper based prototypes, it is the Web DUE's predecessor, since the Web DUE is based on the WDP.…”

“…For each pair HxP, the WDP provides a set of hints in order to aid inspectors in finding usability problems when evaluating Web applications. Furthermore, the WDP technique has been proved feasible for the usability evaluation of Web applications during several empirical studies (Conte et al, 2009).…”

“…We based the Web DUE technique in the Web Design Perspective (WDP) based usability evaluation technique (Conte et al, 2009). This technique evolves the Heuristic Evaluation (Nielsen, 1992) in order to evaluate the usability of Web applications.…”