Usability evaluation: models, methods, and applications (original) (raw)

Usability is evaluated by the quality of communication (interaction) between a technological product (system) and a user (the one who uses that technological product). The unit of measurement is the user's behaviour (satisfaction, comfort, time spent in performing an action, etc.) in a specific context of use (natural and virtual environment as well as the physical environment where communication between user and technological product takes place). The usability concept and its measurement are strictly connected to that of accessibility ("Web Accessibility"), and the space of the problem, shared by the users, in which the interaction takes places (user technology interaction). Accessibility refers to how a technological product can be used by people regardless of their disability (see here "Web Accessibility"; Web Accessibility Initiative (2010). Usability measures how use is perceived by the user. Therefore, by improving communication and sharing information among physical, natural and virtual environments, usability is structured on a "User Centred Design", which is an ergonomic approach suited to the biopsychosocial model of disability (WHO 2001). This model complies with the requests and needs of disabled people summed up by the phrase: "nothing about us without us" (Charlton 1998).

Sign up for access to the world's latest research.

checkGet notified about relevant papers

checkSave papers to use in your research

checkJoin the discussion with peers

checkTrack your impact