Related ASU Research Stories
A Greedy Way to Get the Bugs Out (feature)
Related ASU Web Sites
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Publication Date: Spring 2005
Most computer scientists focus on hardware and software—the electronics that actually compose a computer and the code that makes up programs. Renee Turban is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at ASU. She examines how people use computers. She is working to improve how people interact with user interfaces.
A user interface is what someone actually sees on a computer monitor. For example, this might be a web browser window with menus and buttons that allow a user to scroll, go back, print, etc. The computer code behind this interface might allow the user to perform lots of functions. But if the interface is badly designed, the user will not be able to take advantage of that functionality.
“I’ve always been interested in how people interact with computers,” Turban says. “Computer scientists are taught to implement solutions to problems but not necessarily how to map these solutions to end users. Creating software that users can use effectively is hard work.”
Consider a program that allows people to create maps. Users may want to pan, zoom, add labels, or employ other features. Users will use these features in different orders depending on their project and working style. But will the program function properly with every combination?
Answering this question is part of usability testing—determining if the program works the way users want and need it to. Turban applies the same methods to usability testing to improve the process and identify a wider range of problems that computer scientist Charles Colbourn uses in software testing.
Usability testing shares many of the same limitations as software testing. Both time and money prevent complete testing from occurring. Companies often simply test “average users,” which may or may not catch the majority of the problems.
The methods Turban is developing for usability testing will cover a wider range of potential interactions. Eventually, the results could make your favorite computer program much simpler to use.—Linley Erin HallEngineering and Technology: Computer Science