by Admin, Jo R. Jardina, Barbara S. Chaparro, PhD

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 […] [(English) Read More]

by Maury Elizabeth Brown, Daniel L. Hocutt, Admin

Abstract Using results from an original survey instrument, this study examined student perceptions of how useful Google Apps for Education (GAFE) was in students‘ learning of core concepts in a first-year college composition course, how difficult or easy it was for students to interact with GAFE, and how students ranked specific affordances of the technology […] [(English) Read More]

by Laura Cunningham, Russell Kirkscey, Ashlynn Reynolds-Dyk, Nancy Small, Charity Tran, Virginia Tucker, Admin

Abstract This article describes a graduate-level service learning usability project and illustrates the practical tensions generated by increasing complexity in technology design. Although a foundational body of usability research prescribes standards for high-quality test design, such guidelines may not be applicable or practical in a particular context. Usability students and professionals benefit from allowing themselves […] [(English) Read More]

by Jessica Korte, Leigh Ellen Potter, Sue Nielsen, Admin

Abstract Deaf children are an underrepresented group in technology development, despite the potential technology available to aid them in language acquisition. Requirements elicitation prototyping allows Deaf children to act in an informant role in the creation of key technologies. This paper presents a case study of requirements elicitation prototyping conducted with young Deaf children in […] [(English) Read More]

by Rebecca Zantjer, Laura Gonzales, Admin

Abstract This research investigates the ways usability/user experience professionals describe themselves for different audiences and across multiple digital platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, portfolio websites, and business websites. By analyzing the digital identities of over 40 usability/user experience professionals, this article presents quantitative and qualitative pictures of how usability and user experience is being described in digital […] [(English) Read More]

by Bill Albert, PhD, Joe Dumas, Admin

Our editorial for this issue, by Bill Albert, is “The Fox Guarding the Usability Lab.” In it, Bill criticizes the practice of usability testing your own design. Design agencies, who are hired to design digital products, and User Experience (UX) researchers who follow this practice put themselves in a conflict of interest that can result […] [(English) Read More]

by Bill Albert, PhD, Admin

The idiom of „don’t let the fox guard the hen house“ warns us about the potential danger of giving someone responsibility for overseeing something that he or she shouldn’t be involved with, particularly when there is an inherent interest in the outcome. Unfortunately, that idiom is all too fitting in the world of user experience […] [(English) Read More]