Monty L. Hammontree

Integrated data capture and analysis tools for research and testing on graphical user interfaces

Our on-line data capture and analysis tools include an event capture program, event data filtering programs, a multimedia data analyzer, and a retrospective verbal protocal recorder for use with the multimedia data analyzer. Off-line observation logging is also supported. Additional plans for development include the integration of an online time-synchronized observation logger, and time-synchronized eyetracking data recording. The tool set provides an integrated multi-source data collection, processing, and analysis system for: 1) comparing and evaluating software applications and prototypes; 2) evaluating software documentation and instructional materials; and 3) evaluating on-line training. The tools currently run on Macintosh computers and under Microsoft Windows. Plans are to port the tools to run under Presentation manager and Motif.

PDA-based observation logging

This demonstration will show how using personal digital assistants (PDAs) can facilitate the collection of observer notes during usabfity testing and expedite the ensuing analysis of those notes once testing is complete. The intent of the demonstration is to provide a forum for the exchange of new ideas regardkg the use of PDAs as usabi@ tools. The authors will provide an overview of how PDAs have been employed in theii usability testing process and what costs and benefits have been realized as a result of their use. KEVWORDS Usability, Tools, Data Collection, Laboratory, Testing, Lagging, Video, halysis

The experience engineering framework applied in two contexts

Analysis of existing User-centered Design methods revealed an underlying common framework consisting of three components and three principles. The components are (1) a multi-faceted view of experience, (2) a set of goal driven phases, and (3) a repository of best practices for navigating those phases. The principles are (1) team-based design, (2) facilitation of divergence and then convergence of ideasce, and (3) alignment of teams and phases. We call this framework the Experience Engineering Framework (EEF) and use it to construct a UCD process tailored for each project or design problem by using the right components and principles for that project. This abstract briefly presents two applications of the EEF in two very different contexts.

Usability lab tools (abstract)

This Special Interest Group (SIG) will be an update to panels and SIGS from previous conferences including CHI and the Usability Professionals Association. The intent of the SIG is to provide a forum for the exchange of new ideas and technologies in the area of usability laboratory tools. Experts in the area will meet to discuss and demonstrate recent developments in tools and talk about future plans. Topics for discussion include event lo@ng, observation logging, video tape analysis, digital video, highlight tape production, remote usability testing, and other new techniques/technologies. Anyone involved or interested in usabdity testing is invited to attend.

Event Capture and Analysis Tools for Graphic User Interfaces

This was a demonstration of a set of tools used to: 1) compare and evaluate software applications and prototypes; 2) evaluate documentation and instructional material; and 3) process video tape recordings of human-computer interaction (HCI). These tools include an event capture tool, which records events related to objects in graphical user interfaces, data filtering tools, which translate and aggregate user-generated events into meaningful characterizations of the interaction, and a multimedia data analyzer, which couples event logs and video recordings from HCI testing sessions.