Designing for learnability: improvement through layered interfaces

Article

Forsey, H., Leahy, D., Fields, B., Minocha, S., Attfield, S. and Snell, T. 2024. Designing for learnability: improvement through layered interfaces. Ergonomics in Design. https://doi.org/10.1177/10648046241273291
TypeArticle
TitleDesigning for learnability: improvement through layered interfaces
AuthorsForsey, H., Leahy, D., Fields, B., Minocha, S., Attfield, S. and Snell, T.
Abstract

A significant cost of system operation is the training required for the end users to achieve and maintain competence. The training need is partially determined by user interface properties that make it harder or easier to learn. This article explores improving system learnability through human-machine interface design. A design pattern of Progressive Disclosure through Layered Interfaces is proposed to improve learnability (time taken to learn) by presenting users with a subset of functionality. An experimental study supported tentative conclusions. Interesting differences between experiment participants suggest a customised approach, including Progressive Disclosure, to reduce the training burden.

Keywordsprogressive disclosure; human-machine interface; training demand; interface design; experiment; system interaction
Sustainable Development Goals9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
PublisherSAGE Publications
JournalErgonomics in Design
ISSN1064-8046
Electronic2169-5083
Publication dates
Online23 Aug 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted12 Jul 2024
Deposited12 Nov 2024
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/10648046241273291
Web of Science identifierWOS:001296963500001
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