USABLE: A Comprehensive Framework for Measuring Usability of User Interfaces
Usability is an essential aspect of user interfaces, and its measurement is key to understanding user experience. To this end, the USABLE framework is proposed as a comprehensive approach to assessing usability. This framework is based on a synthesis of existing usability models and methods that have been developed in the last few decades. It covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and it is grounded in the practical application of usability principles. Additionally, USABLE incorporates established user-centered design and evaluation methodologies to facilitate the development of more effective user interfaces.
Usability has been defined as “the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which specified users achieve specified goals in particular environments” (ISO 9241-11, 1998). As such, it is essential for user interfaces to provide an optimal experience to their users in order to maximize effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Achieving this goal is not an easy task, and usability evaluation is an important means of understanding user experience.
Usability evaluation has been studied extensively in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Several models and methods have been proposed to assess usability, such as the System Usability Scale (SUS) (Brooke, 1996), the Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) (Lewis & Wharton, 1994), and the Heuristic Evaluation (HE) (Nielsen, 1994). Each of these approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the selection of the right method depends on the evaluation goal and the context of use.
The USABLE framework is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to usability assessment. It is based on a synthesis of existing usability models and methods, and it covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The framework is grounded in the practical application of usability principles, such as user-centered design and evaluation methodologies. Additionally, USABLE incorporates established user-centered design and evaluation methodologies to facilitate the development of more effective user interfaces.
The USABLE framework consists of four main components: usability principles, usability models, usability methods, and usability evaluation criteria. The usability principles provide the foundation for understanding the concept of usability and its importance. The usability models provide a structure for understanding the components of usability, and the usability methods provide the tools and techniques for assessing usability. Finally, the usability evaluation criteria provide a set of criteria for assessing the usability of a user interface.
The USABLE framework is designed to be both comprehensive and practical. It covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and it is grounded in the practical application of usability principles. Additionally, USABLE incorporates established user-centered design and evaluation methodologies to facilitate the development of more effective user interfaces.
In conclusion, the USABLE framework is proposed as a comprehensive and practical approach to usability assessment. This framework is based on a synthesis of existing usability models and methods and it covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Additionally, the USABLE framework incorporates established user-centered design and evaluation methodologies to facilitate the development of more effective user interfaces.
References
Brooke, J. (1996). SUS: A “quick and dirty” usability scale. In P. Jordan, B. Thomas, B. Weerdmeester, & A. McClelland (Eds.), Usability evaluation in industry (pp. 189-194). London: Taylor & Francis.
ISO 9241-11. (1998). Ergonomics of human-system interaction – Part 11: Guidance on usability. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization.
Lewis, C., & Wharton, C. (1994). The cognitive walkthrough method: A practitioner’s guide. In P. Jordan, B. Thomas, B. Weerdmeester, & A. McClelland (Eds.), Usability evaluation in industry (pp. 167-175). London: Taylor & Francis.
Nielsen, J. (1994). Heuristic evaluation. In P. Jordan, B. Thomas, B. Weerdmeester, & A. McClelland (Eds.), Usability evaluation in industry (pp. 199-203). London: Taylor & Francis.