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Example of how to specify the context of use Table A.1 [2,12] gives an example of how the context of use can be specified in terms of attributes which may be relevant to the usability. A product to be used in a particular context can be specified under these headings. Specifications may be either in terms of relevant characteristics, or the identification of a specific instance. (When specifying a particular instance of a product which can be customised, it will be necessary to specify what adaptations have been made to the default characteristics of the product.) Verifiable and repeatable descriptions of usability require measures of usability which can be repeated in a specified context. Unless evaluation of usability can take place in conditions of actual use, it will be necessary to decide which attributes of the actual or intended context of use are to be represented in the context which is specified for evaluation. When specifying or evaluating usability it is therefore important that the context selected is representative of the important aspects of the actual or intended context of use. Particular attention should be given to those attributes which are judged to have a significant impact on the usability of the product. This information should form part of any report on usability. Table A.1 Example of attributes of the context of use | USERS | GOALS | ENVIRONMENT | Personal details
User types
Audience and secondary users Skills & knowledge
Product experience
System knowledge
Task experience
Organisational experience
Training
Keyboard & input skills
Qualifications
Language skills
General knowledge Personal attributes
Age
Gender
Physical capabilities
Physical limitations and disabilities
Intellectual ability
Attitude
Motivation | Goals Sub-goals | Organisational Environment Structure
Hours of work
Group working
Job function
Work practices
Assistance
Interruptions
Management structure
Communications structure
Remuneration Attitudes & culture
Policy on use of computers
Organisational aims
Industrial relations Job design
Job flexibility
Performance monitoring
Performance feedback
Pacing
Autonomy
Discretion |
| EQUIPMENT | TASKS | Technical environment | Basic description
Product identification
Product description
Main application areas
Major functions Specification
Hardware
Software
Materials
Other Items | Task breakdown
Task name
Task frequency
Task duration
Frequency of events
Task flexibility
Physical and mental demands
Task dependencies
Task output
Risk resulting from error | Configuration
Hardware
Software
Reference materials Physical environment Workplace conditions
Atmospheric conditions
Auditory environment
Thermal environment
Visual environment
Environmental instability Workplace design
Space and furniture
User posture
Location Workplace safety
Health hazards
Protective clothing & equipment |
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