Difference between revisions of "Usability"
From Convivial Tools Database
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*Satisfying to use | *Satisfying to use | ||
| − | An object is effective if it is fit for its purpose, and can be used to complete the desired task. A shovel is effective for digging a trench, but a spoon is not. Another word for effectiveness is utility. | + | An object is '''effective''' if it is fit for its purpose, and can be used to complete the desired task. A shovel is effective for digging a trench, but a spoon is not. Another word for effectiveness is utility. |
| − | An object is more efficient than another if it permits achieving the purpose with less work or time. For digging a trench, an excavator is a more efficient tool than a shovel. Usability experts are generally more concerned with efficiency than with effectiveness, since few products are introduced that are actually ineffective for their purpose. | + | An object is more '''efficient''' than another if it permits achieving the purpose with less work or time. For digging a trench, an excavator is a more efficient tool than a shovel. Usability experts are generally more concerned with efficiency than with effectiveness, since few products are introduced that are actually ineffective for their purpose. |
| − | The use of an object can be made easy to learn by designing the object such that its operation can be learned by simply observing the object. An example of an object with high learnability might be an intuitive navigation tool. | + | The use of an object can be made '''easy to learn''' by designing the object such that its operation can be learned by simply observing the object. An example of an object with high learnability might be an intuitive navigation tool. Related to learnability is '''memorability''', or the ease with which users can recall how to operate the object. |
| − | + | An object is '''reliable''' if it repeatedly proves to be effective and efficient. One aspect of reliability is that the object should operate with few and non-catastrophic errors. | |
| − | An object is | + | An object is '''adaptable and extensible''' if it is endowed with features that allow it to be adapted or extended to suit new and unpredicted tasks or goals. |
| − | An object | + | An object is '''accommodating''' if it has been designed to accommodate different user populations. |
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Subjective satisfaction of the user is also an important criteria of usability, though it may be more difficult than the other criteria to describe precisely. | Subjective satisfaction of the user is also an important criteria of usability, though it may be more difficult than the other criteria to describe precisely. | ||
