A new framework for characterizing and categorizing usability problems

Conference paper

Ham, Dong-Han 2008. A new framework for characterizing and categorizing usability problems. Yoo, S.D. (ed.) EU-Korea Conference on Science and Technology, EKC2008. Heidelberg, Germany 28 - 31 Aug 2008 Springer. pp. 345-353 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-85190-5_36
TypeConference paper
TitleA new framework for characterizing and categorizing usability problems
AuthorsHam, Dong-Han
Abstract

It is widely known that usability is a critical quality attribute of IT-based systems. Many studies have developed various methods for finding out usability problems and metrics for measuring several dimensions underlying usability concept. Usability professionals have emphasized that usability should be integrated into the development life cycle in order to maximize the usability of systems with minimal cost. To achieve this, it is essential to classify usability problems systematically and connect the usability problems into the activities of designing user interfaces and tasks. However, there is a lack of framework or method for these two things and thus remains a challengeable research issue. As a beginning study, this paper proposes a conceptual framework for addressing the two issues. We firstly summarize usability-related studies so far, including usability factors and evaluation methods. Secondly, we review seven approaches to identifying and classifying usability problems. Based on this review and opinions of usability engineers in real industry, this paper proposes a framework comprising of three viewpoints, which can help usability engineers characterize and categorize usability problems.

Sustainable Development Goals9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
ConferenceEU-Korea Conference on Science and Technology, EKC2008
Page range345-353
Proceedings TitleEKC2008 Proceedings of the EU-Korea Conference on Science and Technology
SeriesSpringer Proceedings in Physics
EditorsYoo, S.D.
ISSN0930-8989
Electronic1867-4941
ISBN
Hardcover9783540851899
Electronic9783540851905
Paperback9783642098925
PublisherSpringer
Publication dates
Print11 Aug 2008
Online14 Oct 2008
Publication process dates
Accepted2008
Deposited15 Sep 2025
Output statusPublished
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-85190-5_36
Web of Science identifierWOS:000259565300036
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