A proposed standard for consumer product usability

摘要

Purchase decisions for everyday products are frequently made on the basis of matching a list of the product's functions to the user's needs. However, for the functions to be useful, the user needs to be able to operate them successfully. If the functions are not easy to operate, many users will find it difficult or impossible to achieve the main goals of use of the product. Unfortunately it is often not possible for a purchaser to judge at the time of purchase whether or not the product is easy to operate. Information about the ease of operation of a product would therefore be of great value to potential purchasers. A standard is currently under development to provide guidance on how to take account of the needs of the widest possible range of potential users, and to define a standard usability test method and a statement describing the usability of products. Once agreed, this standard would offer a base line to communicate a product's ease of operation. Several issues remain to be resolved. To what extent can the special needs of the disabled be included? How many users should be tested to obtain a reliable indication of usability? What criteria should be used for products to pass the test? How widely would such a standard be adopted by industry?