Integrating usability engineering methods into existing software development processes via evidence-based usability engineering

Abstract

In this paper we give an overview of existing approaches for capturing HCD (Human-Centred Design) process and design knowledge. We present an alternative approach that aims at fostering the integration of UE (Usability Engineering) activities and artifacts into existing software development processes. The approach is based on six claims that are derived from an analysis of existing UE process models and requirements of software developers. Our approach is embeddable in existing process improvement frameworks such as the UMM (Usability Maturity Model) and is supported by a web-based tool. An explorative study that we have conducted with software developers from various software development organizations confirms the potential of our approach. However the study indicates that our approach is more strongly preferred by developers with experience in user interface design.