Cdrom User Interface Evaluation: The Appropriateness of Guis

Abstract

Following a general trend in software development, CDROM applications are increasingly implementing Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). The general assumption is that GUIs offer advantages in terms of ease of learning and use, especially for non‐expert users. Moreover, the adoption of GUIs for CDROMs has been suggested as a means of providing a de facto standard interface. This study assesses the appropriateness of GUIs, more specifically Windows‐based interfaces for CDROM. An evaluation model was devised to carry out an expert evaluation of the interfaces of seven CDROM products. The model identified two levels of interaction, the dialogue level and task level, and focused on general interface features, search and retrieval tasks, and output and processing options as well as the help facilities. The results are discussed in the light of HCI Usability Criteria and design guidelines (including general interface design guidelines, specific Windows design guidelines and The CDROM Consistent Interface Guidelines) to assess to what extent the applications comply and appropriate recommendations are made.

Comparison and evaluation of the user interfaces of e‐journals

“…Their advantages are that, compared to user studies, they are cheaper, quicker and easier to perform, since a well qualified expert with a good knowledge of the user population can predict the usability of the software, and can envisage potential user errors and difficulties. Similarly, Manglano‐Bosch and Hancock‐Beaulieu (1995) state that the expert, knowing the subject area and the user population, can foresee different aspects of system usage even before it is implemented. They recommend that expert studies should use a well structured framework, resulting in a systematic review of all interface aspects.…”