Instructions: For each of Issa and Isaias’s (2015) seven “Usability Criteria” (p. 33), explain each criterion in your own words and provide a concrete/practical example of each. Draw from your own experience and try to find educational examples where you can.
1. Learnability
Describe in your own words:
How easy is it to learn the product? Is it intuitive, quick, and easy to learn? Are there clear instructions or feedback? Is the information broken down into small, learnable chunks? If errors are made, is there useful and timely feedback on how to correct it? How is the feedback given? Is the interface consistent?
Provide a concrete/practical example:
Well designed apps have tutorials for new users to complete before they are shown the full program.
2. Flexibility
Describe in your own words:
Users have diverse backgrounds, preferences, and abilities. Usability includes an inclusive, user-friendly, and adaptable environment that adjusts to the diverse needs and preferences of the target user. Can you customize the interface, settings, or features according to your needs or preferences (ie: colours, fonts, layouts, etc.)? Can it adapt to different skill levels (ie: novice to advanced)? Can users interact in different ways with different modalities (ie: touch, voice commands, or keyboard inputs)? Can it accommodate users with different abilities or disabilities? Can the user do the task in multiple ways? Can it adapt to different devices or screen sizes? Is it a consistent and user-friendly experience across different platforms? Can it be personalized based on preferences? Is it accessible to users with disabilities (ie: screen readers for visually impaired)
Provide a concrete/practical example:
Software programs like Photoshop and Illustrator allow users to customize their windows and how the interface is displayed.
3. Robustness
Describe in your own words:
Can the program remain stable? Can it handle errors or failures? Does it crash? Is it secure? Is it compatible with various platforms? Does it have regular backups? Has it been stress tested? Is there data validation? Have there been quality assurance testing?
Provide a concrete/practical example:
If an app crashes too many times, I will go and find another product to use.
4. Efficiency
Describe in your own words:
Can the user perform tasks and achieve their goals in a timely manner? Can it take minimal effort, time, and cognitive load to complete the tasks? Is it positive, streamlined, and efficient? Does it respond to user input in a timely way? Is it logically organized? Is cognitive load minimized? Is it intuitive to navigate? Are things properly labeled? Is the design consistent and predictable? Are there keyboard shortcuts available? Any other time saving features? Is feedback timely and helpful? Is there search functionality? Is load time minimized?
Provide a concrete/practical example:
It took me time to learn Canvas with my UBC courses, but once I learned it for my first class, subsequent classes were much easier to navigate.
5. Memorability
Describe in your own words:
Can users remember how to use the interface after learning it or being away from it for a period of time? Do users have to relearn the interface verytime? Is it intuitive and what users naturally anticipate? Is it consistent? Are there clear icons and labels? Does the navigation make sense? Is there cueing, feedback, or guidance? Is there documentation or help? Is there training? Is it visually memorable? Is there reinforcement?
Provide a concrete/practical example:
Applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator have generally stayed the same over the years, with a few changes. It makes it easy for me to keep using them as they are memorable to me.
6. Errors
Describe in your own words:
Are there minimal errors in the program? How are they addressed? Are the errors easy to understand? Is the error from the user’s interaction or the program? Does a consistent interface help reduce errors? Does the error guide how the user can correct? Can the user recover from the errors and continue with their task? Can the user undo errors without significant consequences? Are the error messages clear and concise? Can training help reduce errors? Can accessibility features help reduce errors?
Provide a concrete/practical example:
Errors in an application sometimes display the user code error or a number which is frustrating – the errors should be in plain language so the user can understand them.
7. Satisfaction
Describe in your own words:
Is the overall satisfaction positive or negative? Does the user have a strong emotional response when interacting with a system, product, or interface? Does the user enjoy engaging with the technology? Satisfied users are more likely to continue using a system, recommend it to others, and have a generally positive attitude toward the technology. How is the user experience? How is the system’s usability? Is the product aesthetically pleasing? Is there useful and timely feedback? What are the user’s perceptions of the product? Does it help achieve the user’s goals?
Provide a concrete/practical example:
User feedback forms, user testing, or focus groups can be arranged for users to give feedback and see how satisfied they are with the program.