Scan: Why users don't understand your interface

What is evaluated The system to be scanned can be the current version or a system yet to be implemented.     Elements evaluated can be:
bars, buttons, graphics, help systems, menu's, tabs, windows, wizards, and underlying conceptual structures.


What is the touchstone? The touchstone is cognitive psychology: is the system compatible with psychological activities the users perform using the interface.

  • perception: use of fonts, icons, luminance, colour, blinking, arrangement of information, position of information, crowdedness.

  • language: terminology used.

  • memory: short term memory load, stress, novice (e.g. tourist) versus expert users.

  • cognition: can the user understand complex system of the interface and of the content presented


    		•      This touchstone allows a rather objective scan. The summary includes a quantitative profile presenting the compatibility of the system with the way humans perceive, use language, learn and recall, and with the way they solve travel problems.

    The scan does not evaluate: design state of the art, history, local habits, political considerations, technology and tradition.    		     Why designers can“t understand their users, developing a systematic approach using cognitive psychology, usability


    What is not evaluated
  • Opinions of users. Existing user opinions can be discussed in the cognitive psychological evaluation.


    •     To top.    		    
  • Aesthetics of the interface(graphical design), as far as it does not interfere with the comprehensibility of the interface.
  • No comparison is made with other interfaces. Other interfaces might be mentioned for explanatory purposes.


    • Procedure
  • Selection of the elements to be scanned. An inventory of known problem situations.
  • Proposal with: the contents of the scan, the level of detail, schedule, and a budget.


    •     To top.    		    
  • Performing the scan: analysis of the interface, evaluation of documents available and interviews (if needed).
  • Discussion of a draft scan report.
  • Final report.


    • More articles on GUI and web:

    		 From putting data in statistics to controlling conclusions.
    Is cognitive psychology dead?
    Presenting numbers to teachers, drivers, travellers.
    Desktop, top of flop?
    Gebruik van metaforen is riskant.
    GUI en psychologie, welke de beauty, welke de beast?
    Handelingspsychologie en interface design.
    Help is ongelukkige term voor uitleg.
    Homepage van morgen.
    Huidige interfaces hebben geen toekomst.
    Handvriendelijkheid van handhelds.
    Menu combineert spraak- en taalstoornssen.
    Met KISS heb je het mis.
    Moet je voor smart bij design zijn?
    Personaliseren en aanpassen.
    Psycholoog moet technicus detailontwerp dicteren.
    Gebruik van metaforen is riskant.
    Tag clouds zijn te mistig.
    Tansformatie ok, voor interface nee.
    User experience, ervaringen in het openbaar vervoer.
    Van piepende meester word je niet wijzer.
    Vingervriendelijke toetsen


    Not only articles on GUI and web:

    		 Articles: interface and web. Book: Why designers can't understand their users. Consultancy. Course: GUI, webdesign, psychologie and human efficiency. Scan: Why users do not understand your interface.


    Not only GUI and web but also:

    		 Interface & web: how to arrive at usability, userfriendlyness, etc. using cognitive psychology
    Public transport: sign posting, (electronic) ticket vending, dynamic indocators
    In Dutch. Future systems: how to organize our lifes in a technical future.
    High speed train control by drivers, ETCS MMI
     



    To top.

    Contact



    cognitive psychology, interface design, mmi, userfriendlyness, usability, web page design    		Leonard Verhoef.
    +31 (30) - 231 44 97
    Parkstraat 19
    3581 PB Utrecht
    Nederland

    humanefficiency.nl
    verhoef@humanefficiency.nl

    Chamber of commerce, trade register, subscription number: 39057871.