A Holistic Usability Framework For Distributed Simulation Systems

This dissertation develops a holistic usability framework for distributed simulation systems (DSSs). The framework is developed considering relevant research in human-computer interaction, computer science, technical writing, engineering, management, and psychology. The methodology used consists of three steps: (1) framework development, (2) surveys of users to validate and refine the framework, and to determine attribute weights, and (3) application of the framework to two real-world systems. The concept of a holistic usability framework for DSSs arose during a project to improve the usability of the Virtual Test Bed, a prototypical DSS, and the framework is partly a result of that project. In addition, DSSs at Ames Research Center were studied for additional insights. The framework has six dimensions: end user needs, end user interface(s), programming, installation, training, and documentation. The categories of participants in this study include managers, researchers, programmers, end users, trainers, and trainees. The first survey was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data to validate and refine the framework. Attributes that failed the validation test were dropped from the framework. A second survey was used to obtain attribute weights. The refined framework was used to evaluate two existing DSSs, measuring their holistic usabilities. Ensuring that the needs of the variety of types of users who interact with the system during design, development, and use are met is important to launch a successful system. Adequate consideration of system usability along the several dimensions in the framework will not only ensure system success but also increase productivity, lower life cycle costs, and result in a more pleasurable working experience for people who work with the system

Usability evaluation of component-based user interfaces

The idea of building a device out of separate parts is gaining more common practice in the software industry. Software parts are designed with the potential for reuse. The reuse of the software parts promises to reduce development cost and time. This process triggers some new usability issues, especially when the user interface (UI) is also designed as a complex of several parts. A study is carried out to find out whether and how the usability of a UI part can be tested, and thirdly how the usability of an individual UI part can be affected by other UI parts. Analysis of log files that captured the basic user-system interaction components seems a promising evaluation method. Preliminary experimental results show that this evaluation method is more sensitive than traditional method as number of keystrokes or task time analysis

Usability evaluation of component-based user interfaces

The idea of building a device out of separate parts is gaining more common practice in the software industry. Software parts are designed with the potential for reuse. The reuse of the software parts promises to reduce development cost and time. This process triggers some new usability issues, especially when the user interface (UI) is also designed as a complex of several parts. A study is carried out to find out whether and how the usability of a UI part can be tested, and thirdly how the usability of an individual UI part can be affected by other UI parts. Analysis of log files that captured the basic user-system interaction components seems a promising evaluation method. Preliminary experimental results show that this evaluation method is more sensitive than traditional method as number of keystrokes or task time analysis