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Software Learnability Evaluation An Overview of Definitions and Evaluation Methodologies for GIS Applications

Authors:
Irfan Rafique
Jingnong Weng
Yunhong Wang
Maissom Qanber Abbasi
Philip Lew

Keywords: learnability; GIS applications; learnability evaluation; learnability in use; usability

Abstract:
Learnability has been regarded as an important aspect of usability and considered a fundamental usability attribute. Yet, learnability is often overlooked as one of the most influential factors for the success of software applications especially Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications. GIS Applications have seen a tremendous development during the last decades. Becoming more advanced, the amount, diversity and high turnover demand fast learning from users. Good learnability not only leads to a better productivity quickly but also plays a vital role in initial adoption or rejection of a technology. There are numerous approaches used to define, measure, and evaluate learnability. This paper presents some previously researched definitions along with methodologies for learnability evaluation with a special focus on desktop GIS applications. Our survey of definitions and evaluation methodologies leads us to a conclusion that there is a need of further research for a sound and widely accepted methodology for learnability evaluation of GIS applications.

Pages: 212 to 217

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2012

Publication date: June 24, 2012

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4529

ISBN: 978-1-61208-202-8

Location: Venice, Italy

Dates: from June 24, 2012 to June 29, 2012