A parametric method for the evaluation of human-computer interfaces

The paper proposes a method of interface quality evaluation intended for product selection and based on a checklist. The method is flexible, easily understood and covers all aspects of an interface. Creation of the list rests upon a selection of more than 300 ergonomic criteria drawn from published reports and research articles in the field of interface design and evaluation. The criteria are high-level and relatively independent of the type of interface and technology. Their collection has been organised according to a new synthetic classification scheme which bears upon the functional capabilities and friendliness factors of an interface. Furthermore, the proposed method uses a parametric model to calculate the overall quality of an interface as a function of the values and weights assigned to the criteria and classes. The user can also adjust the model behaviour by modifying its sensitivity parameters. The method of evaluation has been implemented in an electronic calculator