Software Usability

SSL HELPI NG YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RE S ULTS AN D VALUE FRO M IT

SOFTWARE USABILITY THE OVERLOOKED ASSESSMENT FOR USER SUCCESS R i z v i L a t i f f, A p r i l 2 0 1 1

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

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Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

What will you do Would you purchase a ●

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Pant or a shirt that does not fit you well Car that does not match the basic creature comforts and functions you are looking for Sports equipment that does not meet your configuration (fit your frame and preferences)

though it may be ●

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If you purchase it, will you ●

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Make full use of it till the end of its lifespan Dispose it as it does not fit you well and is a source of discomfort Or ajust and live with it as you have invested on it

Or instead look for a product that fits your specification

Of the best quality And may have been subjected to the best of manufacturing

Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

A common issue Rolled out software not having success with user acceptance ●

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Users are not happy and comfortable with the software ●

They look at alternative solutions to compensate

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Move back to previous systems

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Develop a negative perception

Takes place right across the spectrum from leading software brands (top ERPs) to custom designed software for specific needs and verticals Simply negates the investment ●

Fails to deliver on the planned benefits

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Especially in terms of productivity and efficiency targets

Software alone is good as a car with out a good driver. They go hand in hand ●

Users of the system must believe in its value and the difference it can bring about

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A team, a partnership

Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

The reasons ●

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There can be many a reasons for this ●

Shortcomings in articulating the requirements

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Oversight on getting the regular users involved from the on set

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Failing to get the right fit/context between the software and the organization –

Size and distribution

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Local aspects and practices

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Etc.

A specific occurence points to where there is a good requirements fit but still fails to get the users on board ●

A closer analysis points to shortcoming on software usability

Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

Usability in general ●

Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object. ●

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usability

A key ingredient for success ●

The phenominal growth of Apple computers can be attributed to the constant success in their ability to engineer great products which blends quality, beauty and usability (iPod, iPhone, iPad, etc.)

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The absense of this is the gap between the competition

Auto industry, all greate brands from Rolls Royce to Mercedes to Toyota have had their share of success and growth due to their ability to bring about products with quality, beauty and usability Japans success in the electronics and automotive speaks of the same characteristics

A universal factor for success and not something to be taken for granted

Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

Software usability ●

Again, many a examples ●

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Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc.

It is not not just the ●

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Functionality

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Pretty user interface (colours, images, animation, etc.)

It is also about ●

It is not sufficient to be satisfied by a mere functional assessment to check whether a software provides the required functionality

How quickly and efficiently can I get a task completed

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It is also a check how the functionality is put together for use ●

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Especially common, frequent and daily tasks

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Intuitiveness

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Responsiveness

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Consistancy of the interfaces of the application

Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

Checking for the seats, pedals, the steering, etc. of a brand new car VS taking it for a test drive to assure that all these put together delivers on the comforts and needs you are looking for.

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Success of Microsoft in various quarters can be clearly atributed to UI usability than technical superiorty.

Windows Vs Linux especially on the desktop arena

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

Few guidelines 1. Get the users of the system involved from the very on set of any product evaluation 2. Focus on routine and repeatable tasks, processes and functions and evaluate these first for usability 3. Arrange for a usability assessment with the key and frequent users (from data entry functions to management functions) as part of the evaluation process to minimize post implementation issues and surprises 4. Check with reviews and comments from companies similar to yours (type of business, size, volume and location) who have implemented the product under consideration 5. Also check the size of business for which the product has been designed for. Otherwise the product has to scale either way and loose out on usage due to generalization or customization for fit.

Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

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HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT

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Software usability > the overlooked assessment for user success

SSL HELPING YOU TO GET OPTIMUM RESULTS AND VALUE FROM IT