Articles by Barbara S. Chaparro, PhD

author photoDr. Chaparro is a Professor in the Department of Human Factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She leads the Research in User eXperience (RUX) Lab, an academic research & consulting lab. Her research interests include the study of user experience (UX), usability assessment methods, future technologies, and mobile computing.

Validation of the GUESS-18: A Short Version of the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS)

Abstract The Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) is a 55-item tool assessing nine constructs describing video game satisfaction. While the development of the GUESS followed best practices and resulted in a versatile, comprehensive tool for assessing video game user experience, responding to 55 items can be cumbersome in situations where repeated assessments are necessary. […] [Read More]

Texting While Walking: Is It Possible With a Smartwatch?

Abstract Smartwatches are quickly becoming a popular complement to smartphones for notifications and activity tracking, yet most lack an effective method for text input. Typing on a smartwatch with an onscreen keyboard was originally thought to be impractical due to the small screen size. As a result, alternative keyboards that use “zoom” features to enlarge […] [Read More]

Investigating the Usability of E-Textbooks Using the Technique for Human Error Assessment

Abstract Many schools and universities are starting to offer e‑textbooks as an alternative to traditional paper textbooks; however, limited research has been done in this area to examine their usability. This study aimed to investigate the usability of eight e‑textbook reading applications on a tablet computer using the Technique for Human Error Assessment (THEA). The […] [Read More]

User Performance and Satisfaction of Tablet Physical Keyboards

Abstract This study presents an evaluation of user performance and satisfaction of three physical keyboards that accompany two popular tablet computers. All keyboards were dual purpose in that they served as tablet covers in addition to typing input devices. The keyboards varied in weight, thickness, and key travel. The thinnest keyboard featured durability and pressure-sensitive […] [Read More]

Text Advertising Blindness: The New Banner Blindness?

Abstract Banner blindness, the phenomenon of website users actively ignoring web banners, was first reported in the late 1990s. This study expands the banner blindness concept to text advertising blindness and examines the effects of search type and advertisement location on the degree of blindness. Performance and eye-tracking analyses show that users tend to miss […] [Read More]