A Model-based Approach for Supporting Engineering Usability Evaluation of Interaction Techniques

摘要

This paper offers a contribution for engineering interaction techniques by proposing a model-based approach for supporting usability evaluation. This approach combines different techniques including formal analysis of models, simulation and, in particular, analysis of log data in a model-based environment. This approach is integrated in a process and is supported by a model-based CASE tool for modeling, simulation and evaluation of interactive systems. A case study illustrates the approach and operation of the tool. The results demonstrate that the log data at model level can be used not only to identify usability problems but also to identify where to operate changes to these models in order to fix usability problems. Finally we show how the analysis of log data allows the designer to easily shape up the interaction technique (as the results of log analysis are presented at the same abstraction level of models). Such as an approach offers an alternative to user testing that are very difficult to configure and to interpret especially when advanced interaction techniques are concerned.