What is usability evaluation?
There are numerous methods that can be used to evaluate the usability of a digital library. Usability evaluation methods can be classified as belonging to one of three categories: inspection, testing, and inquiry. Usability inspection refers to a number of processes whereby experts systematically review the usability of a digital library and recommend improvements. Two such processes are described below: heuristic evaluation and cognitive walkthrough. Usability testing refers to evaluative processes whereby the interface that enables human-computer interactions are systematically tested and enhanced. Usability testing can be done in a professional usability laboratory, locally using a portable usability lab, or even with standard video equipment. Typically, usability testing involves having people follow predetermined protocols so that specific aspects of a digital library’s usability can be evaluated. The think aloud approach to usability testing is described below in more detail. Usa
