Towards a methodology to conduct comparative inter-organisational usability evaluations

Abstract

The competitive analysis of the usability of software products has been shown to be a useful tool to encourage the adoption of the user centred design philosophy within organisations. Furthermore, the enhanced usability of a customer facing software interface can be a source of competitive advantage for organisations. The usability of systems has also been shown to encourage the effective and efficient completion of tasks, which may have a significant influence on the operations of an organisation. With all this in mind, a methodology to compare the usability of software products between organisations may be useful. However, after a literature survey, no such methodology was found. This research study develops a methodology to conduct comparative inter-organisational usability evaluations, which is done with the use of design science research.