Design and evaluation of human-computer interfaces in working life

Magnus Lif

Lif, M., 1996. Thesis for the degree of Teknologie Licentiat in systems Analysis. UPTEC 96055 R.

Abstract

The wide use of computerised information systems in working life has increased the demands on the people developing the systems. A usable information system has to support the users work effectively, be efficient and satisfactory to the user. The only part of the system that the user is in direct contact with is the human-computer interface. In this thesis, different aspects of the iterative development of user interfaces are discussed. Some new methods, which are to be included in the chain of analysis, design and evaluation, are introduced. These methods have been used in different applied projects. Our research mainly concerns administrative work in a broad sense. The involved users have been skilled professionals that only use and appreciate an information system as long as it supports the main purpose of the task, such as case handling. In the first paper, a framework for the entire process of organisation and information system development is defined. Four different gaps in the development process are identified. In each of these gaps, important information can be lost. The second describes analysis of information utilisation (AIU), a method for the specification of how information entities encountered in the information analysis are being used in a work situation. AIU particularly focuses on factors concerning cognitive load. The third paper describes an approach to interface design inspired by the Òrooms designÓ metaphor [Card & Hendersson, 1986]. The paper identifies differences between this approach of document-oriented design and the more common process-oriented approach, often used when designing according to the desktop metaphor. In Paper 4 a structured approach to the iterative process of design is introduced. Four different phases are identified and a set of heuristics supporting the making of design decisions is presented. By using this method a first prototype can be created. Paper 5 presents a method for domain specific evaluation to be used during the design of human-computer interfaces. The method is a tool for guiding the development of the interface towards a design that is efficient and effective for the end-user. Finally, the ADA-method described in Paper 6 allows evaluation of information systems within a specified domain. The method is intended for evaluation of information systems that have been used for a longer period to help identify potential usability problems concerning cognitive load. The method is to be used by occupational health psychologists.

PREFACE

The thesis consists of a summary and the following six papers:

Overview

1. Efficient Development of Organisations and Information Technology ­ A Design Approach. GULLIKSEN, J., LIND, M., LIF, M. & SANDBLAD, B. (1995). In Y. Anzai and K. Ogawa (eds.) Symbiosis of Human and Artifact. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Pacificio Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan 9 - 14 July 1995.

Analysis

2. Analysis of Information Utilisation. GULLIKSEN, J., LIF, M., LIND, M., NYGREN, E., & SANDBLAD, B. (1996).

Design

3. Work Spaces and Documents in User Interface Design. SANDBLAD, B., GULLIKSEN, J., & LIF, M. (1996) Internal CMD Report No 66.

4. A Structural Approach to Prototype Design in Iterative System Development. LIF, M., GULLIKSEN, J., LIND, M., & SANDBLAD, B. (1996).

Evaluation

5. Domain-specific Evaluation, during the Design of Human-Computer Interfaces. LIF, M., & SANDBLAD, B. (1996). In A.G. Sutcliffe, F.Van Assche, & D. Benyon (eds.) Domain Knowledge for Interactive System Design. Proceedings of the IFIP WG 8.1/13.2 Joint Working Conference on Domain Knowledge for Interactive System Design, Geneva Switzerland, 8-10 May, Chapman-Hall: London.

6. A Practical Method for Evaluation of Human-Computer Interfaces. SANDBLAD, B., ÅBORG, C., & LIF, M. (1996). Internal CMD Report No 69.

Summary

Summary (in PDF format, 66k)

Magnus Lif, CMD, Uppsala University, Lägerhyddvägen 18, S-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden