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Author: Stefan Holmlid
Article title: User perceptions of effects of training: In search for qualities in use
Publ. type: Article
Volume: 2
Article No: 8
Language: English
Abstract [en]: Within HCI and Interaction design we have tended to overlook the poten tial in people adapting to technology, rather than the other way around. What learning contributes to usability, remains largely a white space on the map. Such knowledge could enable the development of more usable systems, and help focusing software developers and the after-market of software on the same set of qualities; qualities in use.
   Fourteen interviews with word-processor users at a medium sized Swed ish marketing company were analyzed in search for categories on quality- in-use. The categories are related to Ehn and Löwgrens (1997), as well as Bannon and Bødkers (1991) notion of quality-in-use.
The contribution of the analysis presented here is first and foremost that it is grounded in the users' own views. Thus, the theoretical aggregates give a hint on the extent of what can be studied.

It is found that the following qualitative statements are formative for usa bility and quality-in-use.

  • rationalizations play a vital role in the use of software
  • there are different use strategies which users change between
  • there are different situational factors of use that tint their use
It is also noted that existing conceptions of qualities in use need to be cau tiously applied.
   The development of support-products for temporary collaborative learning, and persuasive help-facilities, are suggested with a potential to strengthen important qualities in use.
PDF
Publisher: Linköping University Electronic Press
Year: 1997
Available: 1997-08-29
No. of pages: 24
Series: Linköping Electronic Articles in Computer and Information Science
ISSN: 1401-9841
REFERENCE TO THIS PAGE:
Holmlid, Stefan (1997). User perceptions of effects of training: In search for qualities in use in Linköping Electronic Articles in Computer and Information Science, Vol. 2. http://www.ep.liu.se/ea/cis/1997/008/. ()