Kee Yong Lim

The MUSE Method for Usability Engineering

MUSE is a method developed specifically to extend the scope of human factors contributions beyond late evaluation and thus increase their effectivness and uptake. This is accomplished by making inputs more explicit, early and continuous throughout the system development process. Since MUSEs scope spans user requirements to user interface design, it supports active human factors involvement in both design specification and evaluation. MUSE defines how, what and when particular human factor concerns should be addressed. It also specifies the procedures, notations, and documentation involved. This book will be essential reading for all involved with systems development, whether from the HCI or software engineering communities, and can be used as well for course accompaniment.

Integrating human factors with the Jackson System Development method: an illustrated overview

The motivation for integrating human factors with structured systems analysis and design methods has been set out in earlier papers. In addition, a preliminary conception of such an integration has been proposed for the Jackson System Development method (referred to as JSD*), and a set of requirements, research and strategies suggested for further developing this conception. The present paper reports the progress of the research, and presents an overview of the stage-wise design process, scope and notation of the JSD* method. The method is discussed and illustrated using a simple case-study concerning a Recreation Booking System.

A method for (recruiting) methods: facilitating human factors input to system design

The paper proposes that some current problems in recruiting human factors methods to system design might be alleviated by means of a structured human factors design framework. The explicit stage-wise design scope of such a framework would support the assignment of appropriate human factors methods to specific system design needs. As an illustration, the design framework of an in-house structured human factors methodology is reviewed followed by the assignment of a set of existing human factors methods against its design stages. Subsequent steps to develop the assigned methods into a similar methodology are then described. The potential of such a methodology for facilitating human factors input is discussed.

JSD and the design of user interface software

Systems analysis and design methods (SADMs), such as Jackson system development (JSD), have been proposed as a means of improving software quality. This is contrasted with the role of improving software usability proposed for human factors (HF). The paper argues the need for an explicit user interface specification stage in system development to ensure the usability of proposed systems. It is suggested that JSD supplemented by the specialist knowledge of HF can support such a specification stage. For HF and JSD to be successfully integrated, contributions from both need to be appropriately timed and structured. A model of the system development process that incorporates HF contributions is proposed. A means by which the HF contributions, in the form of a user interface specification, can be integrated with the JSD specification is developed and illustrated through examples.

Integrating human factors with system development

Human factors engineers complain that their contribution to interactive system design is typically sought late, that is following system implementation. Software engineers, in contrast, complain that the human factors contributions to system design are neither timely, appropriate nor implementable. One solution to this problem is for human factors contributions to be integrated with those of software engineering, that is presented at a time and in a form that contributes directly to system development, and in particular to the design of the user interface. This paper proposed how structured methods, in the form of Jackson System Development (JSD), might be used to integrate human factors generally into system development.

Command/Shortcut Keys in WIMP User Interfaces: A Lost Cause?

In recent years, command/shortcut keys have proliferated exponentially in WIMP menus. However, it remains unclear whether the substantial resources spent on programming the functions of such keys, have resulted in real and/or significant benefits for user interaction. This paper reports a study to determine user interaction patterns for WIMP user interfaces and users’ performance in exploiting command/shortcut keys. Subjects were served a questionnaire, a paper-based test and an on-line task to assess their preference for a particular style of interaction and their performance in respect of command/shortcut keys. The results of the study provide a new perspective for software development managers who are confronted with limited human/project resources. The work will support better decisions and resource planning in connection with value engineering, and with the effectiveness and productivity of user interface programmers.