Evaluating Web and Mobile User Interfaces With Semiotics: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Computer interface signs, such as navigational links, thumbnails, small images, command buttons, symbols, icons, etc., which serve as communication artifacts between designers/systems and users, constitute an under-researched area. To design and evaluate intuitive interface signs, the Semiotic Interface Sign Design and Evaluation (SIDE) framework was developed. The aim of this study is to test the framework's applicability to evaluate web and mobile user interfaces. To that end, two empirical user studies were conducted among a total of 86 practitioners (n1 = 58, n2 = 28). The results show that the SIDE framework helps identify unique usability problems, such as the intuitiveness of interface signs in terms of their referential meaning, which would not have been detected with traditional heuristic evaluation methods. The paper increases our understanding of the intuitive nature of interface signs of web and mobile interfaces, and of the practical use of intuitive signs.

Semiotic scale for library software interfaces: Development and validation

“…The semiotic inspection method (De Souza et al, 2006) and communicability evaluation method (Prates et al, 2000b) have been widely used in various studies to assess the communicability issues of software user interfaces. These methods have been applied to evaluate the applicability of the semiotic concept in assessing software systems and human-robot interaction interfaces (Islam et al, 2020). Furthermore, semiotic analysis of visual and verbal signs has been used to assess the branding and communicability of tourism websites (Gretzel & Collier De Mendonça, 2019).…”

“…Investigations centered on the interplay between semiotics and design have enriched our comprehension of the theoretical construct of semiotic elements (Holt, 2017; Islam et al, 2020; Pauwels & Mannay, 2020; Wong, 2019). Although these studies aren't singularly focused on library software interfaces, they furnish the groundwork for comprehending the integration of symbols, signs, and connotations into design to facilitate efficacious communication with users.…”

Heuristic Evaluation and Usability Testing of G-MoMo Applications

“…The usability evaluation process is essential and includes many evaluation methods such as heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough, interviews, log analysis, task analysis, eye tracking, perspective-based inspection, think-aloud usability testing, guideline reviews, focus group, questionnaires, and remote testing (Islam et al, 2020;Wahyuningrum et al, 2020). These usability evaluation methods are applied at any stage of the software development process, and the evaluation process can be performed on prototypes and the final product.…”

modelo de evaluación para los íconos de aplicaciones móviles: el SM2Mobile

“…Semiotics: An Empirical Study» (M. N. Islam, Bouwman y A. K. M. N. Islam, 2020), en el cual, los autores estudian el cumplimiento de la usabilidad y se centran en el uso fácil de las apps. Se trata de un modelo de evaluación de íconos porque estudia los signos de la GUI para diseñar y evaluar interfaces intuitivas, a través del marco de diseño y de la evaluación de señales de la interfaz semiótica (SIDE).…”