Open AccessThe use of a heuristic process to evaluate an online information retrieval interface.
Author(s) -
S.M. Zabed Ahmed,
Cliff McKnight,
Charles Oppenhein
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
library and information research/library and information research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2752-7336
pISSN - 1756-1086
DOI - 10.29173/lirg278
Subject(s) - usability , computer science , consistency (knowledge bases) , heuristic , interface (matter) , heuristic evaluation , information retrieval , process (computing) , key (lock) , user interface , world wide web , human–computer interaction , graphics , artificial intelligence , computer security , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , parallel computing , operating system , computer graphics (images)
This paper presents the results of a heuristic
evaluation with the Web of Science interface. Three
human factors experts carried out their independent
evaluation. The findings were then analysed and
combined to discuss them with expert members to
reach a consensus on usability issues identified. The
heuristic evaluation helped to identify a number of
both positive and negative aspects in the Web of
Science interface. The key strength of the then current
interface was its consistency in terms of conventions
used, screen layouts, minimum use of colours, and use
of graphics and icons.The main weakness lay in its
functionality, i.e., searching, navigation, online help, etc.
The results show the effectiveness of a heuristlc
approach to evaluating user interfaces to online
information retrieval systems.