Informatics Publishing Limited

Mahmood Ashraf ¹, Rabia Shakir ¹, Mohammad Abrar ², Muhammad Tahir ³, Thabit Sabbah ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Computer Science, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Islamabad, PK
2 Department of Computer Science, Bache Khan University, Charade, KPK, PK
3 University of Jeddah, SA
4 Al-Quads Open University, Ramallah, PS

Abstract

Objectives: To develop the physicality and usability guidelines to reduce the interaction complexities and the cognitive burden on the users. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study is conducted on the kitchen appliances. Three case studies were conducted on different kitchen appliances. Forty to fifty participants were selected from different age group, qualification, and cities. The data were collected from the participant on the bases of pretest and posttest questionnaire and direct observation method. The study was divided into two phases i.e. formulation of guidelines and comparative analysis. The study I and study II were used for guideline formulation and study III provided a comparative analysis. The qualitative research paradigms were employed for data analysis. Findings: Based on the data analysis, the new guidelines were proposed and evaluated in terms of physicality principles and usability components. Subsequently, t-test was used to validate, evaluate, and compare the results against ISO and IEC. This research has showed that the proposed physicality and usability guidelines are helpful in overcoming interaction complexities, reducing cognitive burden, and saving time. Application/Improvements: The data analysis showed that the proposed guidelines will improve the user experience by 94% and 85% in the physicality and usability of the kitchen appliances, respectively. The proposed guidelines can be employed in improving the design of these appliances to overcome interaction complexities.

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Mahmood Ashraf ¹, Sehrish Majeed ¹, Thabit Sabbah ², Mohammad Abrar ³, Furkh Zeshan ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Computer Science, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology Islamabad, PK
2 Al-Quds Open University Ramallah, Palestine Palestinian Territory, Occupied, PS
3 Department of Computer Science, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KP, PK
4 Department of Computer Science, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Lahore, PK

Abstract

Objectives: This effort is part of research work that aims to propose common guidelines of mobile phone usability for younger and older adults. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: This study provides the comparative analysis of mobile phone usability for younger and older adults. The data was collected from 30 users through questionnaire method; in which 15 were younger adults while remaining 15 were older adults. Simple mobile phone was used in this user study because of their popularity and usage in Pakistan. Findings: Few interaction problems of both age groups have been identified in this study which may lead to proposing guidelines onwards. Application/Improvement: The proposed guidelines based on this research can tackle the usability issue, which arises while designing mobile phones because users have to access various functionalities through small interface. It will help to improve the user experience in younger and older adults.

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