Usability

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Usability refers to the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object or tool. The object of use can be a software application, website, book, tool, machine, process, or anything a human interacts with. A usability study may be conducted to understand the usability of the object.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The International Organization for Standardization defines usability as "The extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use." The word "usability" also refers to methods for improving ease-of-use during the design process.

Goals of Usability[edit | edit source]

Usability is about making products and systems easier to use, and matching them more closely to user needs and requirements. The primary goals of usability are:

  • Effectiveness: This refers to the accuracy and completeness with which users can achieve specified goals in particular environments.
  • Efficiency: This refers to the resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness of goals achieved.
  • Satisfaction: This refers to the comfort and acceptability of the work system to its users and other people affected by its use.

Usability Considerations[edit | edit source]

Usability considerations, such as the ones listed below, are integral to the design process:

  • Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design?
  • Efficiency: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks?
  • Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they reestablish proficiency?
  • Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?
  • Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design?

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Usability Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD