User Experience Research Articles

Monte Carlo Workflow Unification for Nuclear Reactor Analysis with Metamodel-Driven Modeling

Monte Carlo (MC) transport codes are a cornerstone of nuclear reactor analysis frameworks, providing reference solutions and multigroup cross sections, and even as core components in multiphysics couplings. These applications can be seen in toolkits from the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation program and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s BlueCRAB (Comprehensive Reactor Analysis Bundle). Contrary to their ubiquitousness in reactor physics modeling and simulation, popular MC codes, such as MCNP, Serpent, and KENO, are still reliant on antiquated textual input formats. These input languages use a plethora of keywords with terse syntax to specify all facets of a model, including its geometry, materials, physics settings, and tally options. This poses a steep learning curve and a poor user experience. Being tied to unique text-based input formats also significantly complicates programmatic input generation or modification that may be desired and/or required within a multiphysics framework. This work demonstrates how the development of programmatic interfaces for MC codes can support model unification and translation activities. Building on the Python application program interface (API) development of MCNPy, similar capabilities are being implemented for Serpent that are able to support model translation. In future work, the Serpent API capabilities will be made more robust and the work will be further expanded to include translations with KENO.

Evaluasi dan Redesain UI/UX pada Aplikasi Web Young on Top

The youth community plays a vital role in supporting the career development of young people. In this context, the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the Young On Top web application play a crucial role. The app experienced UI/UX-related challenges, such as issues with image size, information completeness, and layout inconsistencies, which directly impacted user confusion. The research method used involved a usability evaluation with the System Usability Scale (SUS) as well as interviews with participants, both new and experienced users. The redesign focused on improving the layout, color consistency, and adding important information on various pages such as registration, events, career, shop, and articles. These changes significantly improved the appearance and user experience. This research emphasizes the importance of evaluation and improvement in UI/UX to improve the quality and user satisfaction of the Young On Top web application. Thus, the alignment between users' needs and ease of interaction with the application can be optimally realized.

Perancangan UI/UX Aplikasi E-learning Kampus Universitas Stikubank Dengan Menggunakan Metode Design Thinking

Stikubank University, located in Semarang, has implemented an E-learning application. However, there have been several user complaints regarding its UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience). Consequently, this issue has been chosen as the subject of research. The research primarily focuses on redesigning the UI and UX using the Design Thinking methodology, which encompasses the stages of Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Data collection was conducted through interviews with a total of 6 participants, comprising 4 students and 2 lecturers. The objective of the research is to determine how appealing and user-friendly the current E-learning application at Stikubank University is. For the testing phase, the researcher utilized the System Usability Scale (SUS) to evaluate the usability of the prototype. The testing results using the SUS get a score of 75.75, which the 'good' category (grade B).

Pengembangan Aplikasi Mobile untuk Pasien Telkomedika dengan Tipe Kepribadian Influence Menggunakan Metode Design Thinking

The digitalization of healthcare services has transformed the Indonesian healthcare business, making health services more accessible. Digitalization improves medical services and outcomes. However, the academic community frequently encounters challenges when using Telkomedika services or getting information fast. As a result, further efforts are needed to ensure that the platform provides a seamless and efficient user experience. One area that can be improved is the user interface. A more engaging design can help users navigate the site more easily. This incorporates a cleaner, clearer layout and a responsive design, allowing consumers to use all Telkomedika functions with ease. This study used a design thinking technique to develop the user interface and experience for the Telkomedika application, taking into account the Influence personality type. According to the DISC model, this type identifies people who are outgoing, extroverted, and prefer broad social circles. According to the findings, this technique efficiently meets patients' demands and preferences, resulting in increased comfort and pleasure.

Adaptation of Parallax Scrolling Effect Technique in LegitCheck Website Interface Development

This research focuses on developing LegitCheck's website interface by applying the Parallax Scrolling Effect technique, which is considered as a potential solution to support the startup's promotional strategy. LegitCheck, as a startup that needs an effective way to introduce its services and business concept to consumers and brands, requires a website that can serve as an attractive promotional medium as well as a comprehensive information center. The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the Parallax Scrolling Effect technique compared to a website without the effect in increasing the effectiveness of the LegitCheck website as a promotional tool. The research method used includes the design and implementation of the Parallax Scrolling Effect technique on the LegitCheck website, followed by evaluation using the A/B testing method. The results showed that the implementation of the Parallax Scrolling Effect technique provided significant benefits, including improved information accuracy, service quality, user satisfaction, and company net profit. Although there are constraints related to page loading speed, the majority of respondents prefer websites with Parallax Scrolling Effect because it provides a more interactive and engaging experience. The implication of this study is that the use of Parallax Scrolling Effect can be an effective strategy for startups such as LegitCheck to increase interaction with users, strengthen brand image, and increase the effectiveness of the website as a promotional tool, although it is necessary to pay attention to technical aspects such as page loading speed to minimize potential disruptions to the user experience.

Analisis Tingkat Kepuasan Pelanggan Terhadap Pengguna Jasa Layanan Grab Menggunakan Metode C4.5

Technological advances have brought significant changes in various aspects of life, including transportation. Grab as one of the pioneers of online transportation services in Indonesia is the main choice for many people. However, competition among online transportation service companies forces each service provider to compete in improving the quality of their services. This study aims to analyze the level of customer satisfaction with the use of Grab services using the C4.5 method. This method was chosen because of its ability to form a decision tree model that helps identify the main factors that influence customer satisfaction. The data for this study were obtained from a survey of Grab customers who used Grab driver services within a certain period of time. The survey covered various aspects of user experience, such as Ease of Use of the Application, Service Availability, Waiting Time, Price, Security. The data was analyzed using the C4.5 algorithm to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence the level of customer satisfaction. The analysis shows that the C4.5 method is effective in identifying factors that influence customer satisfaction. The results of the rapidminer test show the accuracy of the C4.5 algorithm from 100 respondent data obtained, which is 94.00%. These results are expected to provide valuable input for the Grab company and drivers in an effort to improve the quality of their services.

User Experience and Usability of Voice User Interfaces: A Systematic Literature Review

As voice user interfaces (VUIs) rapidly transform the landscape of human–computer interaction, their potential to revolutionize user engagement is becoming increasingly evident. This paper aims to advance the field of human–computer interaction by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the user experience associated with VUIs. It proposes a classification framework comprising six research categories to systematically organize the existing literature, analyzes the primary research streams, and identifies future research directions within each category. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the development and effectiveness of VUIs in facilitating natural human–machine interaction. It offers critical insights into the user experience of VUIs, contributing to the refinement of VUI design to optimize overall user interaction and satisfaction.

Evaluating Usability and UX in Touchable Holographic Solutions: A Validation Study of the UUXE-ToH Questionnaire

Touchable Holographic Solutions (THS) are an application type in Augmented and Mixed Reality (AR/MR) environments. Evaluating THS requires considering Usability and User eXperience (UX), particularly Immersion and Presence, often overlooked by current methods. A systematic mapping study and exploratory search revealed gaps, such as the lack of a unified instrument for THS usability and UX evaluation, methods that address THS-specific aspects, and challenges in adapting general evaluation technologies. To bridge these gaps, we present the Usability and User Experience Evaluation in Touchable Holograms (UUXE-ToH) questionnaire, with 67 Likert scale items and three open-ended questions. A validation study with 13 experts provided quantitative data and qualitative feedback. Results confirm the UUXE-ToH’s efficacy and offer insights for improvement. This research contributes to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by introducing a validated tool for evaluating THS, integrating hedonic and pragmatic aspects, and supporting early problem identification in development, accessible to professionals with diverse UX expertise.

We Have Spent Time, Money, and Effort Making Self-Help Digital Mental Health Interventions: Is Anyone Going to Come to the Party?

Although efficacious psychotherapies exist, a limited number of mental health care providers and significant demand make their accessibility a fundamental problem. Clinical researchers, funders, and investors alike have converged on self-help digital mental health interventions (self-help DMHIs) as a low-cost, low-burden, and broadly scalable solution to the global mental health burden. Consequently, exorbitant financial and time-based resources have been invested in developing, testing, and disseminating these interventions. However, the public’s assumed desirability for self-help DMHIs by experts has largely proceeded without question. This commentary critically evaluates whether self-help DMHIs can, and will, reach their purported potential as a solution to the public burden of mental illness, with an emphasis on evaluating their real-world desirability. Our review finds that self-help DMHIs are often perceived as less desirable and credible than in-person treatments, with lower usage rates and, perhaps accordingly, clinical trials testing self-help DMHIs suffering from widespread recruitment challenges. We highlight two fundamental challenges that may be interfering with the desirability of, and engagement in, self-help DMHIs: (1) difficulty competing with technology companies that have advantages in resources, marketing, and user experience design (but may not be delivering evidence-based interventions) and (2) difficulty retaining (vs initially attracting) users. We discuss a range of potential solutions, including highlighting self-help DMHIs in public mental health awareness campaigns; public education about evidence-based interventions that can guide consumers to appropriate self-help DMHI selection; increased financial and expert support to clinical researchers for marketing, design, and user experience in self-help DMHI development; increased involvement of stakeholders in the design of self-help DMHIs; and investing in more research on ways to improve retention (versus initial engagement). We suggest that, through these efforts, self-help DMHIs may fully realize their promise for reducing the global burden of mental illness.

Evaluation of the reliability and usability of CARE‐Radiology: A descriptive‐analytic study

AbstractAimThe study aimed to evaluate the reliability and usability of the CARE‐Radiology checklist in assessing radiological case reports and provide a basis for its broader adoption and optimization.MethodsTen randomly selected radiological case reports published in scientific journals in 2020 were evaluated using the CARE‐Radiology checklist. Twenty‐six experts from 10 countries were invited to independently assess all ten reports. The reliability of the checklist was measured using Fleiss' Kappa, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Usability was evaluated by recording the time taken to complete the assessments and requesting the evaluators to rate each item on a Likert scale for its easiness of use.ResultsThe median time for evaluating one radiological case report was 15 min. The overall agreement among evaluators showed moderate reliability with a Kappa value of 0.47 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.51. The mean compliance rate for the items of CARE‐Radiology was 61.8%, with some items exceeding 90% compliance. Items related to abstracts and keywords had the lowest compliance rates. The evaluators found most items easy to understand, with a few exceptions.ConclusionsThe CARE‐Radiology checklist is relatively easy for researchers to use and understand. Continuous feedback is necessary for future revisions and updates, to enhance the effectiveness of the checklist, and to improve user experience.

Analysis of cognitive behavioural therapy apps for generalised anxiety disorder: Evidence-based content and user experience

Mental illness substantially contributes to the global burden of disease, with anxiety high in prevalence. The increase of mobile technology, mental health apps have potential to lessen this burden. However, within apps, the use of evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are limited. Regardless, many commercially available mental health apps are highly rated by users, highlighting the need to understand what makes mental health apps valuable to the user. The contribution of this study was to uncover apps that support generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and worry with a CBT basis, explore app functionality, and user experience. Firstly, by identifying apps that support GAD and worry and included CBT. Secondly, by identifying and analysing therapeutic and engagement functions within the apps, and finally, by thematically analysing user reviews. Six apps were identified to support GAD and worry that purported to be CBT-based. However, CBT therapeutic features and engagement features were minimally present in the apps. User reviews yielded 112 comments about the apps and key themes were identified about the app users’ global experiences with the app, and about the combination of technological (e.g., useability, reliability) and therapeutic experiences (e.g., learning and using skills). Future development of quality apps to support GAD and worry must consider the empirical standing of both therapeutic and technology aspects, to provide efficacious and engaging interventions.

Perceptual Attributes Identification and Importance–Performance Alignment Assessment of Urban Underground Complex: A Case Study in Chengdu Tianfu Square

Background and objectives: The urban underground complex integrates comprehensive architecture and subterranean space, presenting physical and psychological complexities. To mitigate the negative experiences associated with this complexity, we need to explore, in depth, how the built environmental elements of underground complexes affect user perception to design a comfortable, healthy, and biophilic underground space. Methods: We selected Tianfu Square, a typical underground complex in Chengdu, China, as the empirical case. We identified 26 key environmental indicators affecting user perception and designed Kano and satisfaction questionnaires based on these indicators. A total of 476 questionnaires were distributed to collect data on users’ attitudes towards changes in element quality and their satisfaction levels. By integrating the Kano model and IPA method, we defined the perceptual attributes of elements based on their impact on user experiences and assessed the alignment between element attributes and satisfaction. Results: We categorized the elements into five perceptual types: attractive, one-dimensional, indifferent, must-be, and reverse attributes, and assigned corresponding importance levels. We then compared the importance and performance scores of these elements, evaluated their satisfaction alignment, identified elements needing optimization, and proposed improvement strategies. Implications: This research provides valuable guidance for designers on how various built environment elements in underground spaces influence user perceptions, with practical implications for urban underground complex planning and design.

Usability of Pseudo-Haptic Feedback for Manual Precise Manipulation of Objects in Augmented Reality

Manual precise manipulation of objects is a critical skill in daily life, and Augmented Reality (AR) is increasingly used to support such tasks. In this study, we propose a system utilizing pseudo-haptic feedback to support precise manipulation for six degrees of freedom (6DOF). Two types of AR instruction interfaces were developed: Visual Deviation Instruction Interface (VDI) and Pseudo-Haptic Instruction Interface (PHI). A user study with 18 participants compared the two instruction interfaces in terms of performance and user experience. The objective measures of performance (task completion time, deviation), and the subjective measures (system usability scale, NASA Task Load Index) were collected. Results show that both instruction interfaces effectively support manual precise manipulation, achieving position deviations under 2 mm and orientation deviations under 1°. PHI outperformed VDI in speed, mental effort, physical demand, performance, perceived workload, custom user experience elements and reduction deviations of manual precise manipulation. Finally, we discuss research limitations and future directions.

Automatic Identification of Game Stuttering via Gameplay Videos Analysis

Modern video games are extremely complex software systems and, as such, they might suffer from several types of post-release issues. A particularly insidious issue is constituted by drops in the frame rate ( i.e. , stuttering events), which might have a negative impact on the user experience. Stuttering events are frequently documented in the million of hours of gameplay videos shared by players on platforms such as Twitch or YouTube. From the developers’ perspective, these videos represent a free source of documented “testing activities”. However, especially for popular games, the quantity and length of these videos make impractical their manual inspection. We introduce HASTE, an approach for the automatic detection of stuttering events in gameplay videos that can be exploited to generate candidate bug reports. HASTE firstly splits a given video into visually coherent slices, with the goal of filtering-out those that not representing actual gameplay ( e.g ., navigating the game settings). Then, it identifies the subset of pixels in the video frames which actually show the game in action excluding additional elements on screen such as the logo of the YouTube channel, on-screen chats etc. In this way, HASTE can exploit state-of-the-art image similarity metrics to identify candidate stuttering events, namely subsequent frames being almost identical in the pixels depicting the game. We evaluate the different steps behind HASTE on a total of 105 videos showing that it can correctly extract video slices with a 76% precision, and can correctly identify the slices related to gameplay with a recall and precision higher than 77%. Overall, HASTE achieves 71% recall and 89% precision for the identification of stuttering events in gameplay videos.

Integration of Cybersecurity, Usability, and Human-Computer Interaction for Securing Energy Management Systems

The energy sector is a critical contributor to the growth and development of any country’s economy. However, ensuring robust cybersecurity within the context of smart energy services presents persistent usability challenges in an increasingly digital environment. This study explores the intersection of human-computer interaction (HCI), cybersecurity, and usability to identify and address issues that impact the overall security of smart energy management systems. By analyzing the complex relationships between users and security protocols, this research aims to enhance the security framework, promote better user adherence, and improve system usability. The study focuses on three primary objectives: (1) identifying the most prevalent usability issues in current cybersecurity practices; (2) examining the relationship between HCI and user compliance with security measures; and (3) proposing strategies to improve cybersecurity usability by leveraging HCI principles. Hybrid approaches utilizing artificial intelligence facilitate empirical analysis and framework evaluation. Additionally, a comparative study with six existing models has been conducted. By envisioning a future where security measures not only ensure enhanced protection but also integrate seamlessly into user experiences, this approach seeks to provide valuable insights into ongoing cybersecurity discussions and contribute to a more resilient security landscape against evolving digital threats.

Home self-testing of complete blood counts in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy: A proof-of-concept cohort study in e-oncology.

Before administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, complete blood counts (CBC) collected at the hospital/nursing stations are evaluated to avoid severe bone marrow suppression. This maintains disease fixation which often reduces their quality of life. This mixed-method study examined at home self-testing of CBC, the test quality, and the effects on patients' mental well-being. Patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy were recruited and trained to perform capillary finger prick CBC testing at home using the HemoScreen Point-of-Care instrument and to upload the test results to the hospital's IT system subsequently. A venous reference CBC sample was taken and tested at the hospital on the day of self-testing. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended components were performed to investigate the user experience and the impact of self-testing on the patients' everyday lives. Thirty-nine patients completed the self-testing education using the HemoScreen instrument. Eight patients withdrew, while the remaining 31 patients performed 161 home tests (2-11 tests per patient) over a 4-month period. The test results compared well with the venous reference CBCs except for platelet counts (correlation coefficient 0.26). Qualitative interviews with nine of the 31 patients emphasized that the patients were comfortable using the self-testing instrument and becoming an active partner in their own treatment. CBC self-testing at home produced clinically valid hemoglobin and white blood cell counts with the added benefit that the patients became active partners in their own treatment course, which was of great importance for the patients and increased their wellbeing.

Web Application for Recommendation of Ayurvedic Drugs and Medicine using ML

This project aims to develop a comprehensive Ayurvedic drug recommendation website that seamlessly integrates traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern technology. The platform will cater to both students seeking educational resources and practitioners offering personalized healthcare guidance. The website's key features include drug prediction algorithms, herbal drug recommendations based on individualized assessments on symptoms, and a user-friendly interface. The initial phase involves meticulous planning, scoping, and research to define project objectives, target audiences, and select an appropriate technology stack. Subsequent weeks focus on design and prototyping, incorporating user feedback to ensure an intuitive and engaging interface. The front-end development phase emphasizes responsiveness and usability, while the back-end development integrates sophisticated algorithms for drug prediction and drug recommendation. User authentication and authorization mechanisms will be implemented to cater to both students and practitioners, ensuring a secure and personalized experience. The website's robustness and reliability will be validated through comprehensive testing, addressing any identified issues to guarantee a seamless user experience. The refinement and optimization phase involve continuous feedback collection, iterative improvements, and performance optimization. Beta testing will be conducted to gather user insights, refining the platform further. The deployment and launch process will involve hosting the website on a reliable platform, setting up monitoring tools, and officially releasing the Ayurvedic drug prediction and drug recommendation website to the public. This project combines the rich heritage of Ayurveda with cutting-edge technology, offering a valuable resource for education and healthcare in the Ayurvedic domain. The website aims to empower both students and practitioners with accurate drug predictions and personalized drug recommendations based on symptoms, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare that aligns with traditional Ayurvedic principle.

Job demands-resources on digital gig platforms and counterproductive work behavior

IntroductionWith the rapid expansion of digital gig platforms, counterproductive work behavior among gig workers has become increasingly prominent, adversely impacting the platform’s reputation, operational efficiency, and user experience. This study aims to explore how job demands and job resources influence counterproductive work behavior among gig workers.MethodsGrounded in the Job Demands-Resources model and Job Engagement Theory, this study develops a second-order chain mediation structural model to analyze the effects of job demands (Work pace/workload, physical demands, psychological demands, and customer-related social stressors) and job resources (Compensation, job security, learning opportunities, and opportunities for professional development) on counterproductive work behavior. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement are also examined as mediators.ResultsJob demands positively influence counterproductive work behavior, while job resources have a negative impact. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement each negatively affect counterproductive work behavior. Additionally, platform formalization moderates the negative influence of gig workers’ engagement on counterproductive work behavior.DiscussionThis research provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for digital gig platform managers to understand and predict gig workers’ counterproductive work behavior. It also offers practical implications for optimizing the work environment, enhancing job engagement, and mitigating counterproductive work behavior, thus fostering mutual development between gig workers and the platform.

Challenges and strategies of gamification in family businesses: the moderating effects of supervision and engagement

Purpose This paper aims to unravel how family businesses can harness the power of gamification and to illuminate the hurdles that obstruct this path to success. The research identifies these challenges providing valuable insights into the application of gamification in family businesses and the role of supervision and engagement as moderator variables in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Using a structural modeling approach in a qualitative research methodology, the authors collected responses from n = 200 participants. The results were analyzed using Spearman’s test and multiple linear regression. Findings The research findings reveal that family businesses need to carefully redefine costs when introducing gamification, considering both fixed and variable expenses. The moderating effects of supervision are crucial for user evolution and the correlation, while user engagement influences user and useability experience. Additionally, a positive attitude enhances engagement. Finally, the five key challenges lead to difficulties when implementing gamification strategies. Practical implications This research provides valuable insights for the literature on gamification and family business and offers practical guidance for family business owners seeking to introduce a tailored value proposition adapted to their unique organizational needs and challenges. Originality/value A novel approach is proposed which, through the integration of gamification strategies with family business dynamics, explores the unique challenges and opportunities that arise within this context. By focusing specifically on family businesses, this study highlights how generational differences, ownership structures and cultural resistance can impact the successful implementation of gamification.

Usability Analysis of Trello Using the System Usability Scale (SUS) at the UIN Jakarta Career Development Center

The UIN Jakarta Career Development Center is a dedicated unit focused on fostering the personal and professional growth of both current students and alumni of UIN Jakarta. Supported by student interns from diverse educational backgrounds and academic programs, the center operates daily to provide comprehensive services. These interns bring varied educational backgrounds and experiences, influencing their readiness to implement software for collaborative and coordinating purposes, replacing the previous system (Trello) at the UIN Jakarta Career Development Center. This study aims to evaluate Trello's effectiveness at the UIN Jakarta Career Development Center, intending to enhance the interns' performance and improve service delivery to uphold UIN Jakarta's reputation. The research methodology employs the System Usability Scale (SUS), with validity and reliability testing conducted using Cronbach's Alpha. Findings indicate that Trello's usability at the UIN Jakarta Career Development Center yields an average total score of 59.625 on the grade scale, categorizing usability as D with an adjective rating of OK and marginally acceptable. However, 37.5% respondents express skepticism regarding others' ability to quickly grasp Trello's use, while 55.5% state a need to acclimate themselves to Trello's usage. These insights underscore the importance of refining Trello's implementation to better support the center's operations and ensure a seamless user experience for interns and staff alike.