Lecture 13 (Evaluation Techniques) Flashcards
Why involve humans?
Computer applications are used by humans so it is important to evaluate them
- Computer graphics are inherently human-centered
- Presence of images, animations, and interaction that will influence behavior
What is Evaluation?
- Tests usability and functionality of a system
Where does Evaluation occur?
- In the lab, field, and/or in collaboration with users
When should Evaluation take place?
- Evaluation should be considered at all stages of the design lifecycle
What are the goals of evaluation?
- Test hypotheses on users
- Assess extent of system functionality
- Assess effect of different features on the user
- Identify specific problems and attempt to solve them
What are the two Evaluation Styles?
- Laboratory studies
- Field studies
What are the pros and cons of Laboratory studies?
Pros:
- Specialist equipment available (e.g. eye-tracking software)
- Uninterrupted/controlled environment
Cons:
- Lack of context of real-life use (not as realistic)
- Difficult to observe several users cooperating
When is it appropriate to conduct Lab studies for evaluation?
If system location is dangerous or impractical for constrained single user system to allow controlled manipulation
What are the pros and cons of Field studies?
Pros:
- Natural environment
- Context retained (though observation may alter it)
- Longitudinal studies possible
Disadvantages:
- Distractions
- Noise
- Generally less controlled
When is it appropriate to conduct Field studies for evaluation?
Where context is crucial for longitudinal studies
What are the three Design Evaluation Techniques?
- Cognitive walkthrough
- Heuristic evaluation
- Review-based Evaluation
What is Cognitive Walkthrough?
A design evaluation technique
- Evaluates design on how well it supports users in learning the task
- Usually performed by experts in cognitive psychology
- The expert “walks through” the design to identify potential problems using psychological principles
- Forms used to guide analysis
What does a Cognitive Walkthrough consider?
- What impact will interaction have on the user?
- What cognitive processes are required?
- What learning problems may occur?
- Does the design lead the user to generate the correct goals?
What is Heuristic Evaluation?
A design evaluation technique
- Use this when actual user testing isn’t able to be conducted
- Used to debug the design
- Usability criteria (heuristics) are identified
- Design examined by experts to see if these are violated
- Needs high level of expertise
What is Review-based Evaluation?
A design evaluation technique
- Uses literature to support or refute parts of the design
- Use this when actual user testing isn’t able to be conducted