April Savoy

Development and validation of an instrument to evaluate the content effectiveness of video games: a pilot study

Storytelling is the key design element in game design. Content preparation, which examines ‘what information users want’, yielded valuable data concerning the necessary attributes of storytelling in a web-based interface. After identifying 17 basic components of video games, the authors of this paper were able to categorise the components based on guidelines reported from the literature review into four major factors: game play; game setup; game control; and game help. In order to evaluate these factors, an experiment was conducted that required participants to evaluate three PC games selected for their distinctiveness and popularity: Need for Speed VII: Most Wanted; StarCraft; and Diablo II. Twelve highly skilled video game players were selected as participants. After playing each game, participants were asked to complete a 56-question survey and the results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that all items of development and content preparation are not of equal importance. Fantasy, pressure, reward/bonus, next step, pressure, status, menu, goal, character, hints and instruction are the components that have the most significant impact on user satisfaction.

Effects of Importance and Detectability of Usability Problems on Sample Size Requirements

Existing models of usability evaluation estimate sample size requirements based on goal discovery rate and detectability of potential problems without consideration of the importance of the problem and an index of usability, which allows the comparison of the effectiveness of usability of information technology products and services across different domains. This article presents a methodology which accounts for the aforementioned limitations in usability evaluation. A case study is presented, which illustrates the utility of the proposed methodology and indicates that the current methods underestimate the number of participants in usability evaluation studies.

Foundations of content preparation for the web

The objective of this paper is to develop a model for content preparation of websites. Content preparation describes a process of web design that equally weighs the identification of information requirements with the presentation modes of that information. This paper focuses on what information should be available on the web instead of how the information should be presented. It reviews studies concerning: (a) credibility evaluation of printed media; (b) quality dimensions of information systems; (c) Internet domain-specific information needs. Based on the review, two key figures synthesise the aspects related to content preparation. First, the convergence hierarchy integrates domain-specific components into a general information structure. Second, the conceptual model proposed eight factors for effective content preparation. These factors are site, transaction, company, security, product, customer service, shipping and membership. It highlights specific content elements and yields major implications for a broad range of websites. Primarily, it establishes a foundation for developing methods to evaluate the effectiveness of content preparation for websites. Combining content preparation with usability methods will provide a comprehensive effectiveness evaluation of websites using the ISO 9241–11 (International Organization for Standardization, 1998. ISO 9241–11, Ergonomics requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs)–Part 11 Guidance on usability. Geneva: ISO) framework. Also, it could act as a general guide of content preparation for websites.

Effectiveness of content preparation in information technology operations: synopsis of a working paper

Content preparation is essential for web design [25]. The objective of this paper is to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of methods to evaluate the effectiveness of content preparation in information technology operations. Past studies identify information as the dominant concern of users, and delivery mechanism as a secondary concern [20]. The best presentation of the wrong information results in a design with major usability problems and does not aid the user in accomplishing his task. This paper shifts the focus of existing usability evaluation methods. It attempts to fill the void in usability literaoture by addressing the information aspect of usability evaluation. Combining the strengths of content preparation and usability evaluation yields major implications for a broad range of IT uses.

Design concepts to support management of outpatient consultations in the Veterans Health Administration

This poster describes a project to improve understanding of the challenges associated with managing consultations in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We conducted interviews and observations with primary care providers and specialists at two VHA facilities. Using qualitative analysis, we identified cognitive requirements, challenges associated with each, and design seeds. During the poster session, we will present design concepts exploring interventions to support management of consultations.

Investigating the need for clinicians to use tablet computers with a newly envisioned electronic health record

OBJECTIVE The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has deployed a large number of tablet computers in the last several years. However, little is known about how clinicians may use these devices with a newly planned Web-based electronic health record (EHR), as well as other clinical tools. The objective of this study was to understand the types of use that can be expected of tablet computers versus desktops. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 clinicians at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Medical Center. RESULTS An inductive qualitative analysis resulted in findings organized around recurrent themes of: (1) Barriers, (2) Facilitators, (3) Current Use, (4) Anticipated Use, (5) Patient Interaction, and (6) Connection. CONCLUSIONS Our study generated several recommendations for the use of tablet computers with new health information technology tools being developed. Continuous connectivity for the mobile device is essential to avoid interruptions and clinician frustration. Also, making a physical keyboard available as an option for the tablet was a clear desire from the clinicians. Larger tablets (e.g., regular size iPad as compared to an iPad mini) were preferred. Being able to use secure messaging tools with the tablet computer was another consistent finding. Finally, more simplicity is needed for accessing patient data on mobile devices, while balancing the important need for adequate security.

Comparative usability evaluation of consultation order templates in a simulated primary care environment

Communication breakdowns in the referral process negatively impact clinical workflow and patient safety. There is a lack of evidence demonstrating the impact of published design recommendations addressing contributing issues with consultation order templates. This study translated the recommendations into a computer-based prototype and conducted a comparative usability evaluation. With a scenario-based simulation, 30 clinicians (referrers) participated in a within-group, counterbalanced experiment comparing the prototype with their present electronic order entry system. The prototype significantly increased satisfaction (Cohens d = 1.80, 95% CI [1.19, 2.41], p < .001), and required significantly less mental effort (d = 0.67 [0.14, 1.20], p < .001). Regarding efficiency, the prototype required significantly fewer mouse clicks (mean difference = 29 clicks, p < .001). Although overall task time did not differ significantly (d = -0.05 [-0.56, 0.47]), the prototype significantly quickened identification of the appropriate specialty clinic (mean difference = 12 s, d = 0.98 [0.43, 1.52], p < .001). The experimental evidence demonstrated that clinician-centered interfaces significantly improved system usability during ordering of consultations.

Comparison of two electronic order forms for medical consultation: Think-aloud usability assessment with referring clinicians

Center for Health Information and Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development Service CIN 13-416, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Richmond, IN, USA; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

The Value of User Centered Design in Product Marketing: A Simulated Manufacturing Company Product Offering Market Strategy

The field of manufacturing is mainly concern with the creation of products for consumers who demand these items. At Indiana State University’s Advance Manufacturing Management (AMM) Program, phases of the entire value chain are emphasized to students in a senior level undergraduate course structured as a simulated industrial manufacturing company (SIMCO). The course entails design, prototyping, manufacturing and finally marketing of a product. While the first three phases are easily emphasized the final phase, marketing, lacks a holistic strategy that embodies the previous activity. Marketing activities are therefore disjointed, in turn, affecting the potential revenue of the product. This research project originated as a demonstration and proof of concept- human-computer interaction and marketing strategies become equally valuable as the product in the later stages of the value chain, where ecommerce is integrated.

A precursory look at potential interaction objectives affecting flexible robotic cell safety

With increased competitive challenges in the manufacturing sector, the need for operational excellence has led to an increased presence of robotics in factory settings. Traditionally, robotics in manufacturing has been relegated to routine and monotonous tasks performed in isolation to ensure human safety. Now, the advancements in robotics are encouraging a paradigm shift --- human-robot collaboration. These new robotic systems are imbued with the ability to 1) perceive anomalies in work environments and to correct/workaround these deficiencies, 2) adapt to changes in workload by means of reconfiguring their layout in a facility, and 3) autonomously navigate factory floors. Although we would like to believe that these innate abilities of second-generation robotics allow for immediate implementation of human-robot collaboration on factory floors, the truth is that more research is required to ensure safety, analyze performance, and define standards. This paper explores potential interaction objectives for human-robot communication in flexible robotic cells.