Importance Of User-centered Design Research Articles

Increasing mobility for older travellers through engagement with technology

The number of older people, especially those over 85, is set to increase right across the developed world, and with it their needs for mobility and transport in societies with growing dependence on technology. Whilst technology has the potential to deliver significant benefits to older people, enabling greater mobility and independence, it may also leave them unable or unwilling to engage with it, risking loss of independence.The aims of this paper are to consider what needs to change to enable greater numbers of older travellers to access transport technologies and what are the key barriers to engaging with new and emerging technologies for older people. Thus, the paper looks to extend the knowledge of how older people engage with technology in relation to their mobility and travelling.A thematic content analysis of interviews with 32 older people and 4 experts yielded findings relating to technology use, examples of good design, and characteristics of older people’s interactions with technology.The recommendations relate to the two core research aims, including ergonomics and design, the need for security and trust, the traveller controlling the technology, the importance of user-centered design and the need for personalised and bespoke travelling arrangements for older travellers.

The Importance of User-Centered Design and Evaluation

The Importance of User-Centered Design and Evaluation

Using Eye Tracking as a Tool to Teach Informatics Students the Importance of User Centered Design

In this article the authors describe how they incorporate eye tracking in a human-computer interaction (HCI) course that forms part of a postgraduate Informatics degree. The focus is on an eye tracking assignment that involves student groups performing usability evaluation studies for real world clients. Over the past three years the authors have observed how this experience positively affected students' attitude towards usability and user experience (UX) evaluation. They therefore believe that eye tracking is a powerful tool to convince students of the importance of user centered design. To investigate the soundness of their informal observations, the authors conducted a survey amongst 2016 HCI students and analysed student course evaluation results from 2014 to 2016. The findings confirm that students regard the eye tracking assignment as a mind altering experience and that it is potentially an effective tool for convincing future IT professionals of the importance of usability, UX and user centered design.

A method for assessing the usability of an on screen display for a brain-computer interface

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aim to provide a mechanism by which individuals with severe forms of paralysis can communicate their wishes to others or gain control over devices in their environment. This paper describes the evaluation of an interface designed for use with BCI, which is dedicated to providing a flexible and extensible framework for controlling multiple devices within a domestic environment. A structured format for assessing the usability aspects of this interface is presented. The goal-question-metric (GQM) approach derived from measurement in software engineering was used, providing a mechanism that can be readily adapted to assess other interfaces in assistive technology. The assessment was based on interaction of five participants currently using assistive technology who provided an initial representation of the target user group. Their input, in addition to guidance from a lead user, was used to influence subsequent design choices and directions and highlight the importance of user-centred design within BCI development.

The Importance of User-Centered Design: Exploring Findings and Methods

SUMMARY Given the rising number of information resources available, it is increasingly important for digital libraries and archives to create usable services that meet their users' needs. Seeking input from users at all stages of development can help achieve this goal. This article briefly defines four methodologies for gathering user input: focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, and usability testing. In addition, it presents the “top ten” themes that emerged from over four years of assessment and evaluation activities at the California Digital Library.