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Richard T. Barker

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Publications by Richard T. Barker (bibliography)

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1994
 
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Barker, Richard T. and Biers, David W. (1994): Software Usability Testing: Do User Self-Consciousness and the Laboratory Environment Make Any Difference?. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 38th Annual Meeting 1994. pp. 1131-1134.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of laboratory environment, user self-consciousness, and user experience on the user's subjective evaluation of software usability. The study employed a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial between-subjects design with 2 levels of Laboratory Environment (Cameras and Mirror vs. No Cameras and Mirrors), 2 levels of User Self-Consciousness (Low vs. High), and 2 levels of User Experience (Novice, Experienced). The users were asked to learn, then use, and finally subjectively evaluate a restricted subset of common word processing features over three hours of participation. Day 1 was a training day and Day 2 was a test day. Results indicated that high self-conscious and novice users make more word processing errors. However, they were no more likely to make those errors in the presence of cameras and a mirror. More importantly, the evidence for any effect of the independent variables on subjective evaluation was sparse -- limited to the interaction of self-consciousness and laboratory environment on just three of twelve factors. Moreover, the patter of these interactions indicated that self-consciousness and the laboratory environment did not influence subjective evaluation in any predictable manner. Despite some methodological shortcomings, the conclusion was drawn that these variables do not have a major impact on subjective evaluation of software usability.

© All rights reserved Barker and Biers and/or Human Factors Society

 
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Changes to this page (author)

17 Feb 2010: Modified
26 Jun 2007: Added

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May 18

It's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.

-- Steve Jobs, 1998

 
 

Featured chapter

Read the fascinating history of Wearable Computing, told by its father, Steve Mann

Read Steve's chapter !

 
 

Help us help you!