Inspection by-reuse: evaluation patterns for hypermedia synchronization

Abstract

To evaluate the usability of hypermedia applications, traditional HCl techniques need to be complemented with methods that specifically address the peculiar features of this class of systems. In this paper, we focus on the usability of hypermedia synchronisation, i.e., on all the features related to the (synchronised) execution of dynamic media and to their interplay with link behaviour. We discuss the concept of inspection-by-reuse and present the notion of evaluation pattern as a way to support it. Our approach provides operational guidelines to inspect hypermedia synchronization properties systematically and in a cost-effective way. It also supports the sharing of usability know-how and enables the standardization of the inspection process among multiple evaluators.