Methods for Measuring Usability

The tutorial explains the benefits of measuring usability as part of a user-centred design process, and introduces the participants to the methodology for usability measurement developed by the collaborative European ESPRIT MUSiC (Measurement of Usability in Context) project. The tutorial includes demonstration of the use of MUSiC tools, and class exercises to apply the methods to case studies. KEY WORDS: Usability evaluation, metrics, usability engineering, video analysis OBJECTIVES In many organisations usability is ignored because there are no objective criteria for usability when developing and procuring products. The tutorial explains how usability can be operationalised as the prime quality goal: to provide quality in use (Bevan, 1995, 1996). Participants learn how to choose and apply appropriate cost-effective methods and tools in commercial projects at different stages of development, and how the methods relate to business goals. They gain experience in the use of tools for usa...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1997
• Where: INTERACT
• Authors: Nigel Bevan, Ian Curson
• Keywords: INTERACT 1997, INTERACT 2007, Usability, Usability Engineering, Usability Measurement