José Guilherme Santa Rosa

Analysis of Usability and Information Architecture of the UFRN Institutional Repository

In order to identify the possible problems of usability and information architecture of the institutional repositories, the case study of the Institutional Repository of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte was chosen. As research hypothesis, it was established that the information architecture of the UFRN Institutional Repository interface, version 1.8.1, disadvantage usability in performing the tasks by system user groups. Data collection was carried out by applying the techniques of Cooperative Evaluation and Usability Testing of the UFRN/IR system. Problems of usability and information architecture were found in the Institutional Repository from the results obtained. The redesign of the UFRN Institutional Repository interface on areas related to the tasks presented in the research, and considering the aspects of usability and information architecture, mentioned above, we will contribute to access and visibility of information improvement.

Emotion, Affectivity and Usability in Interface Design

The intent of this paper is to provide an overview of the influence of emotion, affection and feelings during the contact between users and interfaces. Definitions of each of the aspects and relations established between them, and perceived usability and user satisfaction are presented. It was concluded that the process of interface design should include analyzes of the context, objectives and specific features and requirements.

Technical and pedagogical usability in a virtual learning environment: A case study at the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte — Brazil

Bearing in mind the new generation of virtual users increasing demands, it is expected that virtual learning environments hold now a better quality design, from linearity to internationally recommended standards, including presentation aspects, interface and interaction modes, which are principles of technical usability, as a quality attribute that comprises methods to improve ease of use. A research is being conducted, aiming to investigate the perceptions of students attending a technical course in the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology in Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Brazil, regarding technical and pedagogical usability in the learning process. Even though the research is still taking place, the current paper presents the study and the preliminary results so far accomplished that point to the importance of pedagogical usability principles to achieve educational targets.