OSU Libraries presented by the u-team

Usability: defined Usability is about building products or web sites based on user experience, input and feedback. The product or site is built with the users' needs and goals taking center stage. Usability reduces confusion and makes the product or site easy for users to accomplish their tasks. The payoff is in lower support costs and a better user experience.

5 attributes of usability Learnability Efficiency Memorability Errors Satisfaction

Learnability How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design?

Efficiency Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks? Efficiency

Memorability When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they reestablish proficiency?

Errors How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?

Satisfaction How pleasant is it to use the design?

Usability Methods The word "usability" also refers to methods for improving ease-of-use during a web site’s design process. Usability can be measured objectively through performance errors and productivity, and subjectively through user preferences and interface characteristics.

Some usability methods Ethnographic Studies Scenarios and Personas Task Analysis Heuristic Evaluation Card Sorting Think-Aloud User testing

Think-Aloud user testing A method used to gather data in usability testing (not focus groups!). Participants are asked to think aloud as they perform a set of specified tasks. This enables observers to see first-hand the process of task completion.

Think-Aloud demo Task: Susan needs to find good task that shows dramatic change in redesign Volunteers??

Applying user testing Screen shot of redesign and talk about using the results from tests Questions for us?

U-Team services Usability Education Consultations Usability Testing Comparative testing Formal usability study In-house testing Data analysis Current Members: Alison Bobal, Kim Griggs, Susan McEvoy, Jane Nichols, Elizabeth Nielsen & Loretta Rielly

Explore more! Check out the u-team wiki page.wiki page Jakob Nielsen’s Usability 101Usability 101 LITA Regional Institute User Centered Design WorkshopLITA Regional Institute User Centered Design Workshop January 19, 2006