Usability engineering
Software ergonomics ( SE) ( the word origin of " ergonomics " see ibid ) is working towards an easily understandable and easily usable software offered under the technical possibilities and the adherence to defined or empirically incurred standards and style guides. The SE is a branch of human-computer interaction, and its result is the usability of computer programs.
Subject area of software ergonomics in the true sense of the working man is in context ( software usage in workplaces). In general, the use of, or the interaction is considered with computers today. This means taking into account ( neuro) psychological aspects while designing the software - as methodically seeks the Engineering Psychology - to provide an optimum man-machine interface. This is in a particularly easy-to express functional units (eg simple dialogs for systems with GUI). Developing Usable Software is provided under the usability engineering.
In the area of software ergonomics exist formal guidelines for the design of computer workstations, for the presentation of information on the screen and their manipulation by input devices. These guidelines are set out in the Bildschirmarbeitsverordnung ( Display Screen ) as well as in the standard EN ISO 9241 and should therefore be considered in developing application software.
Importance
In the 1980s were, neglecting ergonomic aspects, the functional requirements for the development of a software system in the foreground. This can be explained by the small number of software as well as the lack of certain knowledge. With the proliferation of graphical user interfaces, the user moved with his needs in the forefront. The EC Directive 90/270/EEC ( Ordinance on Safety and Health at Work with display screen equipment ) writes for refurbished computer workstations for the use of software that has been developed according to ergonomic principles. This liability was the importance of ergonomics for the development of software in recent years continue to grow.
In Germany the VDU regulation came in December 1996 for all, even for older workstations in force since 1 January 2000. If you think a company on the other hand, can be fined up to 25,000 euros.
Applications
The main subject area of software ergonomics in the narrower sense is the use of software to be optimized at workplaces. Generally it deals with principles and methods for the design and evaluation of interactive software ( such as work software, web, games, etc. ), the best possible way to meet the needs of the user (user orientation ) and the requirements of the task ( task orientation ) should be adapted. The load reduction and support action by the system are in the foreground.
Not ergonomically designed programs can lead to psychological stress (eg stress, frustration ) result in users. While hardware ergonomics error, for example, flickering screens or small keyboards, can be detected by physical methods, sets the software ergonomics with interdisciplinary methods as " interdisciplinary science " of industrial science, computer science, engineering, industrial anthropology, occupational medicine and psychology.
Specifically, for example, the following events involved:
- Cognitive Psychology ( modeling and simulation of human thought and perception processes)
- Work physiology, industrial anthropology: study of basic human capabilities for information acquisition and information processing
- Work Psychology: Study of the interrelationship between work, their interfaces and psychological factors (including job satisfaction and unpleasant )
Criteria
As a basis for the definition of ergonomic principles suited the ABC model, which describes the context of use of ergonomics as relationships between task, user, and computer. A system is adequate if it provides the information necessary for solution of the task functions. A system is manageable, if it provides the user with ease of learning, ease of use and comprehensibility. A system is personality- promoting action if it is adapted to the skills and knowledge of the user ( the user model ) and complies with the principles of job design. One measure of the software- ergonomic design are the standards part 11 to 17 and 110 series of standards EN ISO 9241 " Ergonomics of human -system interaction ", which was adopted in the years 1996 to 1999 and then again both European as well as DIN standards have been adopted. In Part 110 Dialogue principles, the following quality criteria are defined that result by refining the criteria of the ABC model:
7 Dialogue principles were complemented by the multimedia standard in May 2000, DIN EN ISO 14915 Software ergonomics for multimedia user interfaces Part 1: Design principles and framework to four additional principles:
A measurement of the criteria is done by the use of it is laid out methods. A distinction is made between an expert-driven and user-centered methods. In expert-driven methods, a software or a prototype of usability experts is analyzed and evaluated using a predetermined method of the concrete approach. An example of such a method is the cognitive walkthrough. For user-centric methods that future users of software are asked to use them for specific tasks. Such use is evaluated using different approaches and thus to the above Closed criteria. An example of user-centered methods is the usability test. For two process models, improvements of the software can be derived.