2) Usability methods

There are many tools and methods available for use in a user-centred design process in order to achieve a high degree of usability.

Main usability methods

• User testing: Representative users carry out a series of representative tasks. Usually one user at the time. Can be conducted at the user's work station but is usually done at a specialised laboratory designed for user testing.
• Setting goals and tracking metrics: Usability goals are set and measured. The metrics could be success rate, time to complete task, satisfaction, etc.
• Expert reviews/usability inspections: Usability experts are making a heuristic evaluation of a design.
• Surveys/questionnaires: Not very useful but two types of questions can be asked: Why are you using this system? How did you like it?
• Participatory design: Representative users are involved in the design process. Can be used for a short time before users are affected by corporate culture.
• Focus groups: Not very good for finding usability problems since users, in general, are very bad at analysing their own behaviour. Works better for market research.

Introduction to usabilty metrics

1. What is usability?
2. Usability methods
3. Usability metrics
4. Usability goals
5. Who and when to test