Usability of Photoshop Caroline Dres & Bri Brown Richardson

What is Photoshop? Graphics editor - create and enhance photos, images, designs and 3D objects A member of the Adobe creative suite Originally created for photographers Current intended audience: beginners AND professionals Used to design anything! Banners, logos, icons, photo editing, web design, etc. New Features: Symmetric Mode Color Wheel Multiple Undo In-app learning

Learnability Complex → Steep learning curve 70 tools represented as tiny icons Difficult to distinguish Hard to find Luckily, hovering over tools displays name and use of tool Layers - new concept to most users Hundreds of online tutorials - good or bad?

Efficiency Familiarity with Photoshop → Efficiency Shortcut keys - faster way to access and use tools Customizable: Enlarge frequently used tools and features Hide unused tools Hide and expand editing menus Save color swatches, textures, fonts, etc.

Memorability Shortcut keys → no need to remember how to find a feature in dropdown menus Customizable features Icon recognition Too many tools for everything to be displayed Too many capabilities for users to memorize Accessible tutorials Incredibly powerful tool

Errors There is a tutorial for everything Actions can always be undone Retrace steps with undo button or history panel History panel → easy experimentation

Accessibility Fine motor control disability - many small buttons Visual Impairment - Dark low contrast environment Expensive monthly subscription

Water stroke effects & Reflections

Photo Restoration

Color and Motion Effects