Year: 2004
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis studies usability as a constituent of end-user computing satisfaction.Usability is a complex concept that consists of many different aspects.Ease of use as well as efficient and pleasurable interaction are some indicators of usability.User satisfaction, for its part, is defined in this thesis as an affective attitude that emerges as preference when alternative systems are equally well known and freely available.The goal of this study is to create a better understanding of the concept of usability and to understand the relative importance of the different aspects of usability as constituents of user satisfaction.The focus is on human-computer interaction, and the study is restricted to experienced and skillful computer users and their utilization of software systems to achieve real-world goals.Different measurement instruments and rating scales for user satisfaction have been created; however, the relationship between satisfaction and usability remains unclear.Usability as a constituent of user satisfaction is investigated through a field experiment.A web-based system with three different userinterface alternatives was implemented and the system was used by information technology students to practice SQL-queries in a university course.43 students reported their preference and the underlying reasons by answering both structured and open-ended questions in a web-based questionnaire.The study combined quantitative and qualitative analysis.The most important contribution of this thesis is a conceptual framework for usability studies.The results also indicate that availability of desired features, simple interaction and user-control are as constituents of satisfaction more important than simple screen design and error-free usage.
Author: Markus Bengts
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2340540386