Using the Results from a Systematic Mapping Extension to Define a Usability Inspection Method for Web Applications

摘要

Usability is one of the most crucial factors in Web applications, allowing the successful usage of such systems. Many Usability Inspection Methods (UIMs) have been proposed to guarantee that Web applications provide a friendly, direct and easy to understand interface to their users. Nevertheless, some of these methods are not being used due to the lack of information about them. In this paper we describe the actual state of UIMs for Web applications through the extension of a systematic mapping study about Usability Evaluation Methods. Besides providing background knowledge to UIMs, our results showed that in order to meet the actual needs of the software development industry, emerging UIMs should: (a) find problems in early stages of the development process; (b) find specific problems and suggest solutions; and (c) provide automation. Using these features and usability criteria from other UIMs, we developed the Web Design Usability Evaluation (Web DUE) technique. The Web DUE aims to improve the quality of Web applications by allowing the usability evaluation of paper based prototypes by using pieces of Web pages called Web page zones. We have provided a proof of concept of the Web DUE by evaluating a paper based mock-up of a real Web application.