Usability Evaluation by Monitoring Physiological and Other Data Simultaneously with a Time-Resolution of Only a Few Seconds

摘要

This paper outlines the INTERFACE methodology developed by researchers of our department. It is based on the simultaneous assessment of Heart Period Variability (HPV), Skin Conductance (SC), and other data. The objective and significance of this paper are (1) showing its capability of identifying quality attributes of software elements with a time-resolution of only a few seconds and (2) presenting its practical applicability in the evaluation phase of a real software development process. The Department of Ergonomics and Psychology at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics carried out a contract-based applied research project for the Generali-Providencia Insurance Co. Ltd. The Company was in the process of further developing the software used in its customer centers, and our Department contracted to assess the user interface. Both analytical and empirical usability evaluation methods were applied. In this paper, we highlight the new experiences of the INTERFACE testing methodology.