Semiotic analysis combined with usability and ergonomic testing for evaluation of icons in medical user interface

Abstract

In this research, we have evaluated the medical icons and iconic interfaces of touch screen ventilator systems used in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Precise communication through iconic interface between ventilator system and medical users like physicians or nurses is critical to avoid medical errors which may cost patient's life. We have used Usability Testing, User Survey, Lexical Analysis, Semiotic Analysis, Long Distance Visibility Testing (Ergonomic aspect) in combination for evaluating the medical icons. The usability testing was performed through three icon tests -- Test without Context, Test with Context and Test with Comparison. The lexical analysis along with three dimensional analyses in terms of semantics, syntactics and pragmatics was performed. It is evident that evaluation of medical icons is very different in comparison with icons used in general software applications.