Usability Evaluation with the Cognitive Walkthrough 自己整理.docxVIP

/?p=1569UX Office//Usability Evaluation with the Cognitive Walkthrough John Rieman,* Marita Franzke,** and David Redmiles*** *MRC Applied Psychology Unit 15 Chaucer Rd Cambridge CB2 2EF England rieman@ **US WEST Technologies 4001 Discovery Dr. Boulder, Colorado, 80303 mfranzke@ ***Department of Information and Computer Science University of California Irvine, California 92717-3425 redmiles@ /chi95/ACMcopyright.html? ACM AbstractThe cognitive walkthrough is a technique for evaluating the design of a user interface, with special attention to how well the interface supports exploratory learning, i.e., first-time use without formal training. The evaluation can be performed by the systems designers in the early stages of design, before empirical user testing is possible. Early versions of the walkthrough method relied on a detailed series of questions, to be answered on paper or electronic forms. This tutorial presents a simpler method, founded in an understanding of the cognitive theory that describes a userUs interactions with a system. The tutorial refines the method on the basis of recent empirical and theoretical studies of exploratory learning with display-based interfaces. The strengths and limitations of the walkthrough method are considered, and it is placed into the context of a more complete design approach. Keywords: Cognitive walkthroughs, usability inspections, exploratory learning, software engineering. IntroductionOne of the basic lessons learned in the area of HCI is that usability evaluation should start early in the design process, optimally in the stages of early prototyping. The earlier critical design flaws are detected, the greater the chance that they can and will be corrected. Empirical usability testing, still the most comprehensive evaluation technique, however, is expensive and requires at least a working prototype. Traditionally, it is used at the end of the design cycle, where changes to the interface can be costly and difficult to implement