Assessing usability of iconic and non-iconic interfaces in hospital emergency service software for tablet pc by hci

Abstract

Despite rapid advances in all facets of the technology, the softwareindustry is still struggling with the formidable task of developingsoftware applications that meet quality standards, time pressure, andbudget constraints. Cost and time elements are quantitative and thereforecan be measured and evaluated. On the other hand, the cause of having manydimensions and factors, the term ?quality? has many different yet relateddefinitions. In this thesis study, the test results are based on the one ofthe most important software quality metrics; usability. In medicalinformation systems, data quality is crucial. Getting the correct dataefficiently in a short period of time is a must in real-life situations foran emergency service of any hospital. Instead of using complex forms tokeep track of records efficiently and rapidly, settling such softwaresystem can provide long-term solutions. Usable graphical user interfacesare designed and evaluated via implementation of the user orienteddevelopment process methodologies. In this study, two software prototypesare (MESS and MESSI) developed for the emergency service data flow forTablet PCs via Wi-Fi mobile network, which are tested in Acibadem Hospitalin Istanbul, Turkey. Both prototypes are designed and developed accordingto the rapid application prototyping methodology. The prototypes aredesigned by considering user centered development methodology and usabilityevaluation activities with HCI techniques such as heuristic evaluation andcognitive walkthrough. The aim of this study is to find out distinctionsbetween MESS and MESSI from the point of usability approach, which isdirectly related with software quality. In additionally, the impact ofsoftware process improvement methodology such as ISO is investigated onsoftware usability with observations. As a conclusion, it can be defendedthat usability and perception of the web-based applications can beincreased with visual iconic components especially in hospital informationinterfaces.Keywords: GUI design, usability engineering, HCI, cognitive science,usability, software quality assurance, ISO 9241, software processimprovement, human factors engineering.iv