Overview

Our research project, conducted by a team of four, focused on assessing the usability of a graphical desktop user interface. This project was done in collaboration with a company; however, details regarding the specific product and company are withheld. Our primary objective was to identify and address usability issues to enhance the user experience.

My role

• Conducted heuristic assessments to identify potential usability challenges.

• Analyzed findings and categorized issues based on severity.

• Facilitated remote usability studies, including thinking-aloud tasks, semi-structured interviews, and System Usability Scale (SUS) surveys.

• Analyzed user interview responses using the affinity diagram approach.

Problem

The company needed to understand and resolve usability issues in their graphical desktop user interface to improve overall user satisfaction and efficiency.

Solution

Our approach involved a comprehensive evaluation, starting with heuristic assessments followed by in-depth user studies. By combining different usability techniques, we were able to gather extensive insights into user interactions and perceptions.

Process

1. Heuristic Assessment

• We commenced our evaluation with a heuristic assessment, pinpointing potential usability challenges.

2. Analysis & Categorization

• We meticulously analyzed the findings from the heuristic assessment and categorized issues based on severity, which facilitated strategic planning for further research involving end-users.

3. Remote Usability Studies

• To accommodate the geographical dispersion of the product's users, we conducted extensive usability studies remotely. We employed the following techniques:

• Thinking-Aloud Tasks: Users verbalized their thought processes while interacting with the interface.

• Semi-Structured Interviews: We conducted flexible yet focused interviews to gather detailed user feedback.

• System Usability Scale (SUS) Survey: This survey provided quantitative data on the interface’s usability.

4. Affinity Diagram Analysis

• We analyzed user interview responses using an affinity diagram approach, allowing us to identify patterns and key themes in user feedback.

Tools used

• FigJam

• Microsoft Teams

Outcome

The outcomes of our study surpassed expectations, furnishing the company with actionable insights aimed at optimizing their service to be more user-friendly. This collaborative effort exemplifies our commitment to delivering impactful solutions through effective teamwork and user-centric methodologies.

Key Results

• Indentified and prioritized key usability issues.

• Provided the company with a detailed report and recommendations.

• Enhanced the user experience based on gathered insights and feedback.

Reflection

This project underscored the importance of a thorough and multi-faceted approach to usability evaluation. It highlighted my ability to work effectively in a team, coordinate remote studies, and utilize various usability techniques to gather and analyze user feedback. The success of this project reinforced my commitment to user-centric design and the value of actionable insights in enhancing user experiences.