Usability
Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object such as a tool or device. In software engineering, usability is the degree to which a software can be used by specified consumers to achieve quantified objectives with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a quantified context of use [2].
Any discussion of usability must include the idea of ergonomics and accessibility.
Do I understand this?[edit]
You should be able to close your eyes and define this idea of usable and usability. However, I hope you take a moment to think more deeply about this idea. From this article, we learn usability might be decomposed into:
The definition of usability in the ISO 9241 standard is:
"The extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use"
This definition can be expanded, and made more comprehensive, by including five characteristics which must be met for the users of a product:
Effective Efficient Engaging Error Tolerant Easy to Learn
Standards[edit]
- Define the term usability.