Title :
Discovering user-generated metaphors through usability testing
Author :
Schulz, Erin ; Ramey, Judith ; Van Alphen, Maarten ; Rasnake, William
Author_Institution :
Visio Corp., Seattle, WA, USA
fDate :
12/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A post hoc analysis of data collected from a usability test on the Fluke ScopeMeter 97 (a diagnostic instrument for analyzing electrical signals) revealed that, in doing tasks, subjects were making use of their own internal metaphors (user generated) that were unsupported by the design of the ScopeMeter keys. We investigated the interaction of the user generated metaphors and designer generated metaphors. By examining the effects that the subjects´ skill levels and their backgrounds had on employing such metaphors, we began to outline certain characteristics of user generated metaphors. We found that user generated metaphors demonstrate unyielding persistence in the minds of ScopeMeter users, particularly in the higher skilled subjects
Keywords :
human factors; interactive systems; signal processing; signal processing equipment; user interfaces; Fluke ScopeMeter 97; ScopeMeter users; designer generated metaphors; diagnostic instrument; electrical signal analysis; internal metaphors; post hoc data analysis; skill levels; usability testing; user generated metaphors; Associate members; Cognitive science; Data analysis; Humans; Instruments; Professional communication; Signal analysis; Signal design; Testing; Usability;
Journal_Title :
Professional Communication, IEEE Transactions on
