Establishing evaluation criteria for e-dictionaries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify criteria according to which e-dictionaries can be evaluated. Information technology can be used to enhance e-dictionaries, but if not done carefully, information tools that completely overwhelm a user with irrelevant information can be developed. Criteria is necessary according to which e-dictionaries can be developed and evaluated to ensure tools that only provide relevant information on demand. Design/methodology/approachA literature review was conducted to identify trends in lexicography and modern information technology. Previous usability studies were considered to identify key usability issues. The information was synthesised to identify a set of criteria. FindingsIt was found the e-dictionaries should be evaluated according to their content, information architecture, navigation, access (searching and browsing), help, customisation and use of other innovative technologies. Originality/valueA comprehensive set of criteria has been identified that can be used to evaluate edictionaries and to guide lexicographers in the development of e-dictionaries.

A Usability Evaluation of the Prototype Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek

“…The discount usability methods of heuristic evaluation and usability testing are both appropriate for lexicographers. Lexicographers can perform heuristic (expert) evaluations by using the criteria explained in Ball and Bothma (2018) and also do their own usability tests by creating tasks and observing users as was explained in this article. The usability evaluations should be used at various stages in the development of e-dictionaries.…”

“…Heuristic evaluation is when experts evaluate a system according to a set of criteria (Nielsen 1993: 155;Schneiderman and Plaisant 2010: 134-135). Criteria to evaluate e-dictionaries were developed by Ball (2016) and were used to do an evaluation on the Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek; a summary of the criteria is available in Ball and Bothma (2018). The heuristic evaluation of the Afrikaanse idiome-woordeboek involved one expert and was done during the week of 11 to 15 April 2016 and completed on 10 May 2016.…”

“…Though there are guidelines and criteria for evaluating websites, Ball (2016) has developed criteria specifically to evaluate e-dictionaries; see also Ball and Bothma (2018) for a summarised version. This set of criteria takes into consideration standard usability issues, but incorporates aspects from lexicography and developments in information technology.…”

Heuristic evaluation of e-dictionaries

“…The criteria are used so that the evaluation is done systematically and specific usability problems can be identified. Criteria for the evaluation of webpages is available, but criteria specifically for the evaluation of e-dictionaries has been developed by Ball (2016) and Ball and Bothma (2018). Preece, Rogers and Sharp (2011: 507) confirm that general heuristics might not be specific enough for the evaluation of certain products and evaluators can adjust the heuristics or create their own.…”

“…In this, study one expert reviewer did an in-depth evaluation according to the criteria specifically designed for the evaluation of e-dictionaries by Ball (2016) and Ball and Bothma (2018). An understanding of heuristic evaluation and how concepts such as information architecture, advanced searching and navigation are considered during an evaluation would also enable publishers or librarians to make informed decisions when evaluating e-dictionaries.…”