Usability Evaluation: Learning When Method Findings Converge--And When They Don't

Abstract

This paper analyzes student learning in the context of a methods-oriented human-computer interaction course. In this course, students conduct expert inspection methods and usability tests. They then compare their findings across the methods and with other evaluators. Student assessments of their assignments and solicited comments suggest how comparing findings helps them learn the relative benefits of each of the methods. Modifications to this approach are discussed for diverse courses where coverage of HCI content may be more limited.