Usability Design in Software Applications

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of user interface (UI) design?

  • Functionality and features of software
  • The visual appearance and aesthetics (correct)
  • User feedback and support systems
  • Content management and presentation

User experience (UX) design only focuses on the aesthetics of a product.

False (B)

Name one core area of user experience.

Usability

____ is a sub-discipline of user experience design that refers to the ease of access and/or use of a product or website.

<p>Usability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of interfaces with their descriptions:

<p>Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) = Visual representations on digital displays Voice-Controlled Interfaces (VUIs) = Interaction through voice commands Gesture-Based Interfaces = Engagement through bodily motions in 3D environments User Experience (UX) Design = A process focusing on meaningful user experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT a part of user experience design?

<p>Language translation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

User interface design can only be graphical and does not include voice or gesture-based interfaces.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does UX design aim to achieve?

<p>Meaningful and relevant experiences for users</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of acquiring and integrating a product, including aspects of branding and usability, is part of _____ design.

<p>User experience</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between UX design and usability?

<p>Usability is a component of UX design (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Nielsen and Molich's 10 User Interface Design Heuristics?

<p>User Engagement Techniques (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Heuristic evaluation is a process where experts identify usability issues in user interfaces.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one reason heuristic evaluation is beneficial for design teams.

<p>It helps enhance product usability from early in development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The principle of __________ encourages users to recognize options instead of recalling them.

<p>Recognition rather than recall</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following heuristics with their descriptions:

<p>Visibility of system status = Keep users informed about what is happening Consistency and standards = Ensure uniformity in terminology and actions Error prevention = Design interfaces that prevent errors from occurring Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors = Provide clear messages for error resolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following websites mentioned requires improvements in usability features?

<p>All of the above (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ben Shneiderman’s eight golden rules and Nielsen and Molich's heuristics share considerable overlap.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature needed to improve the quality of educational websites?

<p>Security features to protect user data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ heuristic focuses on making interfaces simple and effective by eliminating unnecessary elements.

<p>Aesthetic and minimalist design</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of a heuristic evaluation?

<p>Identifying usability issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT classified as a quantitative method?

<p>Contextual inquiry (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Web analytics can provide insights into user demographics, pageviews, and user movement through a site.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of A/B testing in user research?

<p>To compare two versions of a web page to determine which converts users more effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The method known as _____ inquiry involves observing users in their own environments and asking them questions during their tasks.

<p>contextual</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following user research methods to their descriptions:

<p>User surveys = Questionnaires for collecting structured data First click testing = Analyzing which element users click first Heatmapping = Visual representation of user clicks and scrolls Eye tracking = Measuring the user's gaze and focus areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for many User-Centered Design methodologies?

<p>International standard 13407:1999 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The User-Centered Design process specifies exact methods for each phase.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major benefit of User-Centered Design in digital projects?

<p>It helps avoid common mistakes and leads to better project outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the IEEE research, approximately $1 trillion a year was spent on ______ worldwide.

<p>IT</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the common mistakes in IT projects with their descriptions:

<p>Poor communication = Issues in interaction among stakeholders Inaccurate estimates = Wrong assumptions about needed resources Sloppy development = Unorganized coding practices Unrealistic project goals = Ambitious expectations without clarity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a top reason for IT project failure?

<p>Lack of market research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of sunflower farming mentioned in the content?

<p>To enhance business based on customer's demand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of user research?

<p>To enhance design projects considering user needs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

User research is only necessary at the beginning of a project.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one qualitative research method used in user research.

<p>Interviews</p> Signup and view all the answers

User research helps identify problems and challenges, validate assumptions, and understand users' needs, goals, and ________ models.

<p>mental</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the qualitative research methods with their descriptions:

<p>Guerrilla testing = Fast and low-cost testing methods Focus groups = Participatory group discussions Field Studies = Observing users in their environment In-lab testing = Controlled environment tasks observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit is NOT associated with conducting user research?

<p>It guarantees financial success (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Card sorting is used to understand user interactions with a product.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of effective user research?

<p>Improved product design</p> Signup and view all the answers

User research is essential for designing with the ________ in mind.

<p>user</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method would be least likely used for qualitative research?

<p>Surveys (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

User-centered design (UCD)

A design process that prioritizes understanding the needs and behaviors of the end-users. It focuses on user experience throughout the design and development cycle.

UCD process

The steps used to gather information about users and design a product or service that meets their needs.

IT project failure reasons

Common reasons why information technology projects fail, such as unrealistic goals, poor communication, and immature technology.

Project Management

Process of organizing and planning a project, including budget, scope, timeline, and resources.

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Software Product Evaluation

Assessment of a software product's quality, focusing on characteristics such as security and usability.

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Customer's demand

The specific needs and wants of customers for a product or service.

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Sunflower Farming Business Enhancement

Strategies to improve a sunflower farming business based on the needs and preferences of customers.

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User Interface (UI) Design

Designing the visual aspects of software or devices, focusing on making them easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

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Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A user interface where users interact with visual representations on a screen.

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Voice-Controlled Interface (VUI)

A user interface where users interact through voice commands.

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User Experience (UX) Design

Designing the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product, encompassing usability, branding, function, and more.

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Usability

How easy a product or website is to use and access.

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Useful Content

Content in a product that is useful to fulfill the users' needs.

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Desirable/Pleasurable Content

Content that enhances the user's experience, making it enjoyable.

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Accessibility

Designing products and content that is accessible to everyone.

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Credibility

Creating products or content users can trust.

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Heuristic Evaluation

A method where experts use rules of thumb to assess the usability of user interfaces.

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Nielsen-Molich Heuristics

Ten established user interface design guidelines for better usability.

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Visibility of System Status

Users should know what the system is doing and when it's expected to complete a task.

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Match between System and the Real World

The system should use language, conventions, and concepts familiar to the user.

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User Control and Freedom

Users should feel able to easily cancel actions or undo mistakes.

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Consistency and Standards

The system should use consistent design elements and actions.

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Error Prevention

The system should design out potential problems.

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Recognition Rather Than Recall

Display options clearly, minimizing user memory load.

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Flexibility and Efficiency of Use

Shortcuts and options for experienced users, while keeping it simple for beginners.

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Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors

Clearly indicate errors and guide the user towards their solutions.

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User Survey

A structured questionnaire used to gather data about user needs and preferences.

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First Click Testing

A test measuring where users click first to complete a task, revealing initial impression and usability.

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Eye Tracking

A method that tracks eye gaze to understand user attention and behavior on a website.

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Heatmapping

Visual representation of user interactions, showing hot zones of clicks and scrolls on a website.

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Contextual Inquiry

A semi-structured interview method to gather insights about user context, observing and questioning them in their natural environment.

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User Research

Gathering information about users to understand their needs, behaviours and preferences related to a product or service. This includes both qualitative and quantitative data.

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Purpose of User Research

To put a design project into context by understanding the problem, users, their context, and their needs.

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Guerrilla Testing

Fast and low-cost testing methods often conducted in public or online, like short videos, field observations, or using online tools for quick feedback.

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Interviews

One-on-one conversations where users are asked specific questions about their experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to a product or service.

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Focus Groups

A small group of users led through a discussion and activities to gather feedback about a particular product or service.

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Field Studies

Observing users in their natural environment to see how they interact with a product or service in their everyday context.

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In-lab Testing

Observing users in a controlled environment completing specific tasks related to a product or service. Users are often asked to describe their thoughts and actions out loud.

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Card Sorting

A method to understand information architecture and naming conventions by having users organize a set of cards (representing content) into logical groups.

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Why is User Research Important?

User research helps design better products because it validates assumptions, identifies problems, and reveals insights into user needs.

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User Research Benefits

User research saves time and money by preventing costly mistakes and ensuring that products meet real user needs.

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Study Notes

Usability Design of Software Applications

  • The term "usability" in software creation prioritizes the user over the system.
  • User-centered design is a key philosophy that considers user needs throughout the design process.
  • Product appreciation assignments evaluate functionality, ease of use, ergonomics, and aesthetics from a user-centered design perspective.
  • Usability is the ease of using a product to complete tasks. It is different from utility and likeability.
  • Utility refers to a product's ability to perform tasks; more tasks mean more utility.
  • Usability testing determines how easy a product is to use for its intended tasks.
  • Usability testing doesn't determine product value or utility by itself.
  • User-centered design (UCD) is a process that involves several phases throughout the design and development lifecycle with the goal of understanding the user.
  • The IEEE 13407 international standard (1999) provides a basis for many UCD methodologies. However, the UCD process itself doesn't specify particular methods for each phase.
  • Case studies are often used in evaluating product.
  • A case study example involves planning a friend's 21st birthday party (with decorations and cake for 15-20 guests). The estimated cost is Rs. 800/-.

User Interface (UI) Design

  • UI design builds software or computer interfaces, focusing on style/look.
  • The aim is to create user-friendly and engaging interfaces.
  • UI design includes graphical user interfaces (GUIs), voice-controlled interfaces (VUIs), and gesture-based interfaces — e.g., virtual reality (VR) games.

User Experience (UX) Design

  • UX design is the process for creating meaningful experiences for users to integrate products well.
  • UX encompasses branding, design, usability, and product function.
  • Key aspects UX designers consider include why, what, and how users interact with the product.
  • Common UX elements are motivations, values/views, functionality, features, accessibility, and aesthetics.
  • Other UX elements include usability, useful content, desirable/pleasurable content, accessibility, and credibility.
  • Usability is considered a part of the overall user experience, but it isn't the whole experience.

Heuristic Evaluation

  • Expert evaluators use rules of thumb to assess usability, following predefined heuristics.
  • Heuristic evaluation is about independent review of tasks performed by user. It is efficient, yet sometimes a relatively time consuming process.
  • Nielsen-Molich's heuristics are rules of thumb to create user-friendly interfaces.

Nielsen and Molich's 10 Heuristics

  • Visibility of system status
  • Match between system and the real world
  • User control and freedom
  • Consistency and standards
  • Error prevention
  • Recognition rather than recall
  • Flexibility and efficiency of use
  • Aesthetic and minimalist design
  • Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors
  • Help and documentation

User Experience Research

  • User experience (UX) research systematically investigates users for design context, needs, pain points, and behaviors.
  • It includes multiple research methods to collect data, both qualitative and quantitative.

Case Studies

  • These include various examples such as designing a well-mannered guest protocol for a dinner party, and identifying features of websites that need improvement to enhance their quality. Examples include specific website URLs.

Evaluating the Product from UCD

  • Detailed factors to consider for evaluating products from a user-centered design (UCD) perspective, including quality, functionality, reliability, efficiency, maintainability, portability, and usability assessments.
  • Examples of how to evaluate software from a user-centered design perspective for projects, risks, or problems.
  • Case study examples include assessing the quality of specific websites and identifying improvement features, including security issues.

Research Techniques

  • Contextual inquiry is a method for observing and interviewing users in their natural environments. This is based on principles used in different scenarios. This is a popular, good technique for gaining insights early in the design process.
  • User interviews are one-on-one conversations with users about a particular topic like use of a system, habits, behaviors and so on. This provides valuable data.
  • Competitive analysis is a research method of understanding the rivals in a market. It helps to discover competitors, their products, and what they are doing to increase their success. This information gives insights for the company.

Case Studies and Examples of Product Redirects/Upgrades

  • Examples of specific products like RummyCircle, Uber, Vedantu, and Tata 1mg provide examples of redesign efforts.

Personas

  • Personas are fictional user representations. They are based on research and help to understand user needs, experiences, behaviours, and goals.
  • Persona creation helps to have a deep understanding of users.

Scenario Mapping

  • Scenarios help to illustrate ways people use a service or product. A scenario has three sections: Persona, Scenario, and Goal. Scenarios act as guide for designers to come up with creative solutions to design problems.
  • These are used for ideation, giving the creative team insight and ideas about how users might interact with the design.

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