Use of usability evaluation methods in France: The reality in professional practices

Abstract

The aim of this study is first, to have an overview of current professional practices related to the use of usability evaluation and conception methods (user testing, interview, etc.) of a human-machine interface (HMI); and then, to determine the factors influencing their use. For this purpose, we have developed an online survey aimed at professionals sensitive to usability issues. The survey was open for the last quarter of 2012; the final sample size was 98 professionals. The relevance of this questionnaire is to identify the level of knowledge and use for each usability method. Our study highlighted the following results: while some methods are frequently used, such as user testing; others are unknown to professionals, such as automated evaluation. Certain methods are known to professionals but used anecdotally, such as card sorting. The study also reveals some factors influencing how the use of each method is done. The results show that the use of each method depends on the professional's expertise, academic background and the sector in which they work. In a longer term, we want to conduct interviews with professionals to know about their practices in more detail. One of our final objectives is to provide an aid system to help designers to choose the best association of usability methods according to all of the contextual elements.