Difference between revisions of "Usability"
From Danton's Real Life Userguide
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:The ease with which people can employ a particular tool or other human-made object in order to achieve a particular goal. | :The ease with which people can employ a particular tool or other human-made object in order to achieve a particular goal. | ||
| − | The Wikipedia definition appears to be a simplified version of the definition of | + | The Wikipedia definition appears to be a simplified version of the definition of Software Usability given by the International Organization for Standardization (IOS). |
The term "user friendly" is often used as a synonym for usable. The Wikipedia article however advises that the term "user friendly" should be avoided, as it has no widely accepted definition and is thus often used without much substance. | The term "user friendly" is often used as a synonym for usable. The Wikipedia article however advises that the term "user friendly" should be avoided, as it has no widely accepted definition and is thus often used without much substance. | ||
| − | The term | + | The term Ergonomics (consideration of human factors in design) is related to usability, although the relationship is diversely interpreted. Some think of usability as a specialised branch of Ergonomics that deals with software design. Others view these topics as complementary, with Ergonomics focusing on physiological matters (e.g. turning a door handle), and usability focusing on psychological matters (e.g. recognising that this door can be opened by turning that handle). |
The concept of Usability is at present particularly used in the design of: | The concept of Usability is at present particularly used in the design of: | ||
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However, since "usability" may apply to any tool or other human-made object, it can also refer to the efficient design of mechanical objects such as a door handle or a hammer. | However, since "usability" may apply to any tool or other human-made object, it can also refer to the efficient design of mechanical objects such as a door handle or a hammer. | ||
| − | The term | + | The term User-Centered Design refers to the design of objects or products with the user's psychology and physiology in mind. Going one step further, User-Driven Design or Participatory Design refer to a process in which some of the users become actual or de facto members of the design team. |
==Criteria of Usability== | ==Criteria of Usability== | ||
