research
The users centered design of a new digital fluorometer
- Publication date
- Publisher
- IEN
Abstract
The fluorometer is the equipment used in chemical analysis laboratories, research institutes and nuclear fuel
cycle companies. This equipment measures an unknown amount of uranium in ores, rivers, etc. The fluorometer
functioning is based on the uranium fluorescence when submitted to the ultraviolet radiation incidence. The
fluorescence is measured by an electronic optic system with optics filters, photomultiplier tube, and a current
amplifier. The user centered design involvers the user in the product development in all phases of the design
process. Users are not simply consulted at the beginning of the design process and evaluated the system at the
end; they are treated as partners throughout the design process. The user centered design emphasizes the needs
and abilities of the users and improves the usability of the equipment. The activity centered design emphasizes
the development of the equipment with a deep understanding of the users activities and of the current work
practices of the users. The aim of this paper is to present a methodological framework that contributes to the
design and evaluation of a new digital fluorometer towards an approach related to the users and their activities.
This methodological framework includes users-based testing, interviews, questionnaires, human factors
standards and guidelines, the users activity analysis and users satisfaction questionnaire