Usability Evaluation Method of Applications for Mobile Computers Using Operation Histories

Abstract

SUMMARYVarious applications have been realized on mobile computers such as smart phones and tablet computers. Because mobile computers have smaller monitors than conventional computers, strategies to develop user interfaces differ from conventional computer applications. For example, contents in a window are reduced or divided into multiple windows on mobile computers. To realize usable applications in this situation, usability evaluations are important. Although various usability evaluation methods for mobile computers have been proposed, few evaluate applications and identify problems automatically. Herein we propose a systematic usability evaluation method. In our method, operation histories by users are recorded and analyzed to identify steps with usability problems. Our method automatically analyzes usability problems, allowing usability evaluations in software development to be implemented easily and economically. As a case study, the operation histories were recorded and analyzed when 20 subjects operated an application on a tablet computer. Our method automatically identified many usability problems, confirming its effectiveness.

Inclusivity in Mobile Shopping Apps: An Emphasis on Learnability Checklists in Conducting a Heuristic Evaluation

“…The mobile application assumes a critical job in regular day-to-day existence for some, including the ecommerce division. Several existing works highlight the need for a rational resolution of usability issues by strengthening the evaluation criteria (Panduwiyasa et al, 2021;Dourado & Canedo, 2018;Hussain et al, 2018;Salman et al, 2019;Shirogane et al, 2018). Also, suggestions were made on the usability enhancements in the user interface structure according to mobile devices and the heuristic technique for mobiles utilising activity accounts separately.…”