Comparing usability problems and redesign proposals as input to practical systems development

Usability problems predicted by evaluation techniques are useful input to systems development; it is uncertain whether redesign proposals aimed at alleviating those problems are likewise useful. We present a study of how developers of a large web application assess usability problems and redesign proposals as input to their systems development. Problems and redesign proposals were generated by 43 evaluators using an inspection technique and think aloud testing. Developers assessed redesign proposals to have higher utility in their work than usability problems. In interviews they explained how redesign proposals gave them new ideas for tackling well known problems. Redesign proposals were also seen as constructive and concrete input. Few usability problems were new to developers, but the problems supported prioritizing ongoing development of the application and taking design decisions. No developers, however, wanted to receive only problems or redesigns. We suggest developing and using...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Erik Frøkjær, Kasper Hornbæk
• Keywords: Assess Usability Problems, CHI 2005, Few Usability Problems, Human Computer Interaction, Redesign Proposals