Table of ContentsThe Journal of Information Science and Technology
Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Vol. 54 （2004） , No.8
Special feature : Usability
Usability of Information Service
Masaaki KUROSU
(National Institute of Multimedia Education (2-12 Wakaba, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-0014))
Abstract : For the purpose of improving the usability of information service, we will have to understand the necessity of the user. It is not just ot investigate the needs of the user. In other words, it is necessary for us to take the usability approach that is contrasting to the conventional market research approach. Usability engineering is different from the technological approach that pursues the functionality and is considering how the artifacts should be designed from the viewpoint of the user. ISO13407, the usability standard, proposes the design process based on the human centeredness.
Besides that, usability spproach is much related to the universal design in that it has to think about the variety of people. The fieldwork methods are strongly recommended for the usability engineering approach at the earlier process of the design in order to obtain the information on the necessity of the user. As a conclusion, it has to be said that the infomation service system shoud make efforts not only for the visual interface design but also the usability of its contents.
Keywords : usability / human-centered design / interface / ergonomics / user engineering / ISO13407 / information portal service
Usability Testing
Muneo KITAJIMA
(Human-Computer Interaction Group, Institute for Human Science and Biomedical Engineering, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Tsukuba Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566))
Abstract : Usability testing encompasses a range of methods that examine how users in the target audience actually interact with a system, in contrast to analytic techniques such as usability inspection. In a typical approach, a user performs a variety of tasks with the application while an observer records notes on how successful the user is in performing each task : how fast users go, what mistakes they make, where they're confused, what solution paths they take, how many learning trials are involved, and so forth. This article describes outline of usability testing and illustrates how to conduct usability testing in the case of small user groups in the size of 4 to 5 users, and in the field, by drawing simple examples.
Keywords : usability testing / prototype / interactive system / field testing / usability evaluation
Actual situation of Web Usability Testing
Toshikazu SHINOHARA
(Sociomedia, Inc. Chief Executive Officer (Ichigaya Green Plaza 032, 3-4-2 Ichigayasadohara-cho, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0842))
Abstract : With dissemination of website, usability has been drawn increasing attention. The attention is attributable to the nature of this media ; user's act and behavior is directly linked to the existence of website itself. This paper examines useful tips to practice usability, introducing various methods, which are used to increase usability, and how they are used in each step of website construction.
Keywords : Usability / Web Accessibility / Usability Testing / User Research / Contextual Inquiry / Task Analysys / Guideline Checking / Heuristic Evaluation / Walkthrough / Automatic Check
Web desigh in view of human interface
Miwako DOI
(Human Centric Labaratory, Corporate Research & Development Center, TOSHIBA CORPORATION (1 Komukai-Toshiba-cho Saiwai-ku Kawasaki, Kanagawa 212-8582))
Abstract : Principles of Human Interface are the target user profiles and the usage environment. These principles are important for the usable information service. Nielsen's HOMERUN shows the guidelines for the successful web designs. The designers of information services must consider the differences between sponcer users and end users.
Keywords : Human Interface / Usability / Web design / Web Accessibility / HOMERUN / Sponcer User / End User
Tips and Design of Useful Portal Web Sites
Hideki TANAKA
(NTT DATA Pocket Corporation (Genboku-kaikan Bldg., 30-13, Touyou-chou 5-Chome, Koutou-ku, Tokyo 135-0016))
Abstract : Create technological portal site for using by Ten Thousands Employees at NTT DATA.
About 1998, the author was accomplished the duty which is to create technological portal site.
Nowadays, I own company, which is called NTT DATA Pocket Company ; we sell packages for portal sites. It is software and called “Portal site construction tool" or “Enterprise Information Portal" for Enterprise.
Now, it is not only for information portal within corporation, and created new ideas of portal like a “self-governing body portal", “academic portal" and so on.
This paper will introduce some parts of the details that he explains in this project. I'll be glad if his experiences of the portal project can be of help to all readers' portal site construction.
Keywords : Portal Sites / Enterprise Information Portal / Design / Layout / Web
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Information Services
Hiroshi KAWAMURA
(Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities (4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama 359-8555))
Abstract : Innovation of ICT doesn't always guarantee the advancement of access to information for persons with disabilities unless system developers always pay attention to accessibility. The author outlines accessibility as human rights of persons with disabilites. Potential of SMIL as one of key access technologies to reach out to usability including “easy to undersstand" is mentioned.
Keywords : Accessibility / persons with disabilities / blind / deaf / deaf-blind / cognitive/intellctual disability / World Summit on the Information Society / SMIL
Series : BOOKMARK for InfoPros 5
The patent information of Japan, the U.S. and Europe is investigated
Yuko OGAWA
(Organo Corporation Legal & Patent Dept. (2-8, Shinsuna-1chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-8631))
Abstract : A patent information database required in order to investigate the patent information of Japan, the U.S. and Europe is explained and the site which offers high quality useful information for nothing is introduced.
Keywords : Japan Patent Office / U.S. Patent Office / European Patent Office / patent information database / information sharing